January 1, Lavrov Pushes Talks With Rubio Amid Ukraine Clash

Wyatt’s Take

• Russia says it wants new talks with America.
• Tensions are up after a Russian nuclear weapons test.
• The Kremlin stands firm on its demands for Ukraine.

Russia’s foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, says he is ready to meet again with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Lavrov told a Russian agency.

“Secretary of State Marco Rubio and I understand the need for regular communication.”

“It is important for discussing the Ukrainian issue and promoting the bilateral agenda.”

“That is why we communicate by telephone and are ready to hold face-to-face meetings when necessary.”

This move comes just days after Russia tested a nuclear-powered torpedo.

Not long after, the U.S. called off a planned summit between President Trump and President Putin due to Russia’s unyielding stance on Ukraine.

Negotiations have taken place all year.

In February, Rubio and Lavrov agreed to reopen embassies and get technical teams to work.

Meetings followed in Istanbul about embassy issues and banking, and again in Kuala Lumpur where Rubio told Lavrov that Trump was frustrated with Russia’s rigidness.

The two also met in New York and Rubio repeated America’s call for real progress toward peace.

A Moscow journalist explained that the nuclear weapons test is meant as political messaging.

“At the moment, Russia and the U.S. are trying to feel each other out in the diplomatic field.”

“Nuclear test turmoil is a diplomatic lever and nothing more.”

The source also said the Kremlin is sticking to its plans in Ukraine.

“The Kremlin still wants to reach the objective of the ‘special military operation’ and is going to play it at a steady pace until Ukraine crumbles or something else happens.”

Rumors spread that Lavrov had lost favor after missing a Kremlin meeting, but the Kremlin denied this, making it clear he remains in his role.

“The Kremlin denied these rumors twice.”

“And it says a lot that Lavrov is not in disgrace.”

“In Russia, usually officials in disgrace lose their position before it’s even become known to the public.”

Lavrov repeated Russia’s demands for ending the war.

“No one questions the territorial integrity of Russia and the choice of the residents of Crimea, Donbas and Novorossiya.”

He stated this while also waiting for confirmation from America about previous asset agreements.

The U.S. State Department did not give a comment before publication.

Keep following for more updates on this tense standoff.

Wyatt Matters

Folks in the heartland know that peace shouldn’t depend on power plays or empty talks.

Standing up for our values means demanding true results, not just another round of closed-door meetings. Middle America has seen enough games from the global stage, and all we want is some real common sense and accountability.

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