The world does not recognize annexations: Blinken tells Lavrov

This is reported by CNN.

This was the first conversation between the heads of the US and Russian foreign policy departments after Russia's invasion of Ukraine at the end of February.

According to Blinken, it was a "frank and direct conversation".

Blinken said that he discussed with Lavrov the implementation of the agreement on the safe transit of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea.

"We hope that this step will be implemented as soon as possible", he said. The head of the US State Department also emphasized that "the world does not recognize annexations" and "will impose additional significant costs on Russia if it moves forward with its plans".

In addition, Blinken said he pressed the Kremlin for Russia to accept a US offer to release Paul Whelan and Brittney Griner, US citizens arrested in Russia, in exchange for convicted US arms dealer Viktor Bout.