LOC23:01
20:01 GMT
WASHINGTON, July 27 (KUNA) -- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken intends to speak with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov for the first time since Moscow's military operation in Ukraine began more than five months ago, he said on Wednesday.
The top US diplomat said that he expected a call with his Russian counterpart this week to discuss a "substantial proposal" presented to Moscow "weeks ago" to try to secure the release of two wrongfully detained Americans - Paul Whelan and Brittney Griner.
He also plans to discuss the recently signed agreement to allow Ukrainian grain to transit through the Black Sea.
Speaking at a news conference at the State Department, Blinken said he would not negotiate on Ukraine in a call with Lavrov, repeating that they would not discuss Ukraine without Ukraine.
Blinken insisted it "will not be a negotiation about Ukraine." He also said he would warn Lavrov that the US and international community would not accept Russian annexations of Ukrainian territory. (end)
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