According to the Russian foreign minister, there was no proposal for a meeting between April 2 and
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday (10/11/2022) Moscow is open to a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US leader Joe Biden at the next G20 summit, which is scheduled to start on November 15.
“We have said repeatedly that we never turn down meetings. If there is a proposal, we will consider it,” Lavrov said, quoted by Portal.
The statement was made in an interview with Russian state television. Lavrov was asked if US officials, including White House national security spokesman John Kirby, said the US was open to negotiations but Russia had refused.
“That’s a lie,” declared the Russian Chancellor. According to Lavrov, Russia is ready to talk to the West to look for ways to end the conflict in Ukraine. However, he said he could not say these negotiations would end the war.
Referring to Turkey, which has acted as a mediator on a variety of warrelated issues, Lavrov said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will have an opportunity to make proposals to Putin when they both visit Kazakhstan this week.
Biden is expected to attend an emergency G7 meeting this Tuesday (10/11) called after increased attacks by Russian forces on Ukrainian territory. The Russian offensive on Monday (October 10) left at least 11 dead and more than 60 injured.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he would speak at the event. He will speak about Russian attacks on the country and possible measures to restore damaged infrastructure. He is also expected to call on the leaders of the world’s richest countries to supply air defense weapons.