Lavrov Calls Blinken Meetings "Constructive", US State Dept Confirms NS2 Sanctions Waivers

LOCAL NEWS

• Lavrov says meetings with Blinken were constructive, with the need to overcome the "unhealthy situation" developed over the past few years.
  • Moscow reiterated readiness to speak on strategic stability, US did not reject the concept.
  • Also touched upon the topic of the diplomatic presences of Russia in the United States and the United States in Russia which would be included in proposals for respective presidents ahead of June meetings
• US State Dept Confirms waiver of new sanctions on Nord Stream 2 AG on national security reasons, despite being engaged in "sanctionable activity" under US law.
  • German FM Maas welcomed the move as a conciliatory step between Berlin & the US and also Russia.
  • However, the state dept did approve sanctions on smaller companies and organisations involved in administering the pipeline
• Biden administration said stopping NS2 was a long shot now given its 90% completion which was a sizeable shift in tone.
  • Noted Keeping the sanctions "would negatively impact U.S. relations with Germany, the EU, and other European allies and partners"
  • but hoped further discussions would help the EU see how the pipeline undermines regional security
• Lavrov issues firm warning after Blinken said Russia must avoid militarisation of the Arctic at the Arctic Council meeting.
  • Says "it has been absolutely clear for everyone for a long time that this is our territory, this is our land. Military activity in the region is absolutely legal"