US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken intends to have a telephone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov for the first time since the start of a full-scale war in Ukraine. Blinken announced this at a briefing.

During this conversation, the conditions for the return of American citizens held in Russia will be announced to the Russian side.. The idea was supported by President Joe Biden.

As Blinken noted, Washington's proposal was sent to Moscow a few weeks ago..

The United States of America offered Russia to exchange businessman Viktor Bout, convicted in America, for Paul Willan, who is serving a 16-year sentence in the Russian Federation on a case of espionage, as well as Britney Griner, a basketball player caught with drugs.

In addition to the exchange, Blinken also intends to discuss the recently signed agreement on the transit of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea..

Speaking at a press conference at the State Department, Blinken said the conversation would not be about Ukraine, stressing that the US would not discuss Ukraine without Ukraine..

For nearly 5 months of Russian invasion of Ukraine, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has maintained a consistent stance towards Moscow - no contact. The top US diplomat has not held a single meeting or telephone conversation with high-ranking Russian officials..

The last telephone conversation between US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov took place on February 12, 10 days before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine..