Russia should continue talks with the U.S. and its allies on its demands for security guarantees in Europe, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told President Vladimir Putin Monday, suggesting the Kremlin will extend efforts to reach a diplomatic solution to surging tensions with the West.
Putin said “all right” in response to Lavrov’s proposal, made in comments shown on state television.
Shortly after the session with Lavrov, Putin met Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, who reported that some of the massive military exercises now underway are already concluded, while others will end later. He didn’t specify plans for returning the troops to their bases, but other officials have said they will go back once the operations are over.
