US Secretary of State, Russian Counterpart Discuss "Next Steps" to End War in Ukraine

Washington, 16 Mar (QNA) --- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed in a phone call with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov the "next steps" in negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed in a press statement that the two officials agreed to continue efforts to restore communication between the US and Russia.

Bruce did not provide details on the date of the next round of US-Russian talks, hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

In a related context, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that "the ball is now in the Russian court", stressing that Russian President Vladimir Putin will "sooner or later" have to "come to the table" for negotiations regarding Ukraine.

Starmer participated in a virtual meeting with 26 leaders and officials from Ukraine's allies, where he stressed the need to strengthen Ukraine and focus efforts on ensuring any ceasefire while maintaining pressure on Moscow.

--- Ends/Khalid