A group of former senior US national security officials met in New York with names close to the Kremlin “to end the war between Ukraine and Russia and lay the groundwork for potential negotiations,” NBC News reported, citing sources who requested anonymity.
During the meeting, which is stated to have been held in April, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with US team members in New York for a few hours, Richard Hasss, former head of the US think tank Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), former White House and State Department officials Charles Kupchan and It was claimed that Russia Expert Thomas Graham was also present at the meeting. Among the goals, it was emphasized, “to keep the channels of communication as open as possible” with Russia.
It was noted that those who attended the meeting with Lavrov then briefed the White House National Security Council about what happened, and that the talks took place with the knowledge of the administration of US President Joe Biden. On the American side, some former Pentagon officials were also involved in the discussions, including Mary Beth Long, a former US deputy secretary of defense with deep experience in NATO issues, according to two people briefed on the talks.
On the other hand, it was reported that at least one former US official went to Russia within the framework of the talks.
STATEMENT FROM THE WHITE HOME
The White House reiterated its message that no decision would be made without Ukraine, not commenting on the alleged alleged meeting of Ukraine by a group of former senior US national security officials and Russian officials in New York.
White House Deputy Spokesperson Andrew Bates answered journalists’ questions on the plane on which US President Joe Biden was traveling for his program in South Carolina.
“I will not speak on behalf of civilian citizens who are not members of the administration,” Bates said, regarding the alleged meeting of a group of former senior U.S. national security officials in New York with figures close to the Kremlin to end the war between Ukraine and Russia and pave the way for potential negotiations.
Bates did not respond to the claims that the White House National Security Council officials were also informed about the meeting, saying that their priority is to support Ukraine. Bates reiterated his message that no decision on Ukraine would be made without Ukraine.
CLUSTER SUPPORT TO UKRAINE
Bates pointed out that, regarding the news that the US will announce its decision to support cluster munitions to Ukraine, the Chief of Staff, General Mark Milley, stated that this option was “actively considering”.
Stating that they have not made any new announcements on this subject, Bates emphasized that their focus is to provide Ukraine with the ammunition they need while defending their country. (AA)