The talks between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in Stockholm were assessed as “cordial and professional, but also straightforward.” Blinken’s First Deputy Wendy Sherman spoke about this on December 3 during a seminar at the Brookings Institution in Washington.
“The Secretary of State also met with Foreign Minister Lavrov. It was very warm-hearted, very professional and very straightforward. [разговор]”, – said Sherman.
She added that on their European trip, she and Blinken had heard many strong statements from European leaders against Russia.
“We have heard very decisive statements from European capitals, from European leaders about the possibility of Putin to take action (against Ukraine. – Ed.), Then almost all will be considered [ответные меры]”, – said Sherman regarding the statements of the West about the alleged aggression of Russia against Ukraine.
The deputy secretary of state added that Blinken was very determined in Europe when he spoke of Russia allegedly intending to oppose Ukraine.
“This (invasion of Ukraine. – Ed.) Will be extraordinarily serious. And we will take the necessary measures to restrain them (Moscow – Ed.) From doing so, and so that they feel the consequences if they take this step, “Sherman said.
The meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and United States Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in Stockholm on December 2 lasted about 40 minutes. The talks took place on the sidelines of the OSCE ministerial meeting in Stockholm. This was the second meeting of representatives of the Russian Federation and the United States after the June summit of the presidents of the two countries, Vladimir Putin and Joe Biden.
According to the press secretary of the Russian President Dmitry Peskov, this meeting became a good opportunity for both sides to explain their position to each other. The head of the Russian Foreign Ministry himself, following a meeting with Blinken, noted the readiness of the Russian Federation to find a balance of interests in relations with the United States.
At the same time, Blinken said that the United States is ready to impose large-scale economic sanctions against Russia in the event of its aggression towards Ukraine. He added that Washington will inform Moscow in advance about the details of these restrictions.
On November 30, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed hope for a “sense of common sense, responsibility for their countries,” which will not allow anyone to reach the red lines. On the same day, Senator Alexei Pushkov added that this expression of the head of state should be taken very seriously.
Source: IZ
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
