NATO-Biden Discuss "Dual-Track" Approach to Russia, FMs May Join Putin-Biden Summit

LOCAL NEWS

• NATO's Stoltenberg says he discussed Russian during meeting with Biden, but did not say whether there would be a NATO-Russia Council session ahead of the NATO summit.
  • Said they agreed on a dual-track approach: "we need deterrence, defense and dialogue with Russia." Noted "dialogue with Russia is not a sign of weakness."
  • Russia FM conveyed openness to de-escalation discussions, but said that without involvement of military experts the meeting would be meaningless
• Lavrov may accompany Putin in June 16 talks according to reports from Kommersant, following the announcement that Blinken will attend the meeting with Biden but Lavrov's participation is yet to be confirmed. The agenda is also still yet to be finalized
• WH's Sullivan said Biden invited Ukraine's Zelensky to Washington later this summer, assuring he would defend Ukraine's interests in the upcoming meeting with Putin
• French & German FMs Le Drian & Maas discussed the situation in Ukraine in a telephone conversation with Lavrov- noting serious concern over the deteriorating security situation along the line of contact.
  • Stressed the need for the participation of all parties in ensuring the ceasefire and continuing to work in the "Normandy format"
• Russian Embassy in the US says Arctic Challenge Exercise is "provocative". Says these International military drills do not establish any framework for mutual trust in Europe and contradict the peaceful and sustainable development of the arctic region