Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov Discusses Diplomatic Contacts with the U.S.

Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov stated that ongoing diplomatic communications between Russia and the United States are primarily conducted via telephone. He also noted that while informal contacts occur, he has no information on other business trips.

Key points

• Yuri Ushakov confirmed that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held talks in May.
• The Kremlin aide denied that any messages from U.S. President Donald Trump were delivered to Russian President Vladimir Putin by the American delegation at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
• Yuri Ushakov stated he was unaware of any other Russian business figures visiting Kyiv beyond the one mentioned by Vladimir Putin.
• Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, indicated that the U.S. is currently unwilling to discuss issues other than the conflict in Ukraine.

Why it matters

These statements clarify the current state of high-level diplomatic engagement between Moscow and Washington amid ongoing tensions and the conflict in Ukraine.