Antony Blinken: “In the coming days, I expect to speak with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov for the first time since the war began. I…”

“In the coming days, I expect to speak with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov for the first time since the war began. I plan to raise an issue that`s a top priority for us. The release of Americans Paul Whelan and Brittney Griner, who have been wrongfully detained and must be allowed to come home. We put a substantial proposal on the table weeks ago to facilitate the release. Our governments have communicated repeatedly and directly on that proposal. And I`ll use the conversation to follow up personally and I hope, move us toward a resolution.”