Rubio speaks to Lavrov on phone before Istanbul talks

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke by phone with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the eve of the second round of talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul.

This is stated in the official statements of the foreign ministries of both countries.

According to US State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce, the call was initiated by the Russian side. Rubio reportedly echoed President Donald Trump's call for the continuation of direct talks. The US did not disclose any other details of the conversation.

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The Russian Foreign Ministry said that Lavrov and Rubio discussed the situation around the war in Ukraine. In particular, Lavrov allegedly heard words of condolence from Rubio over the deaths of civilians in Briansk and Kursk regions, who, according to Russia, were victims of railway bombings. They also said that a thorough investigation of the incidents was underway.

In addition, the Russian agency wrote that the parties exchanged views on a political settlement of the conflict in Ukraine.

Earlier, it was reported that the United States would not send its delegation to the second round of talks between Russia and Ukraine, which is to take place in Turkey.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov earlier said that Russia had developed a special memorandum in which it allegedly outlined its position on «overcoming the root causes of the conflict».

The Kremlin also does not rule out a personal meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but stresses that it is possible only after specific agreements are reached at the level of delegations.