During calls initiated by the American side, participants not only talked about prisoner exchanges but also assessed the situation in Ukraine. The discussions touched on Russo-American relations, which both sides acknowledge require normalization, and the trajectory of the Russian Armed Forces operation in Ukraine.
July 27 declaration: there was intent to meet with Lavrov, and the American side forwarded a formal request to the Russian Foreign Ministry.
“We had an open and direct exchange,” stated Wink, noting that he pressed the Kremlin to accept a proposal for releasing Paul Whelan and Brittney Griner.
Blinken declined to reveal Moscow’s response details.
Moscow’s reaction
A statement on the website of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that the parties discussed prisoner exchange. Lavrov urged Blinken to return to professional dialogue and move away from speculative talking points, opting instead for what he termed silent diplomacy.
The two sides also exchanged views on bilateral relations, stressing the urgent need for normalization.
Ukraine problems
Lavrov outlined to Blinken the specifics of Istanbul agreements on easing restrictions for the export of Russian products and Russia’s support for Ukrainian food exports from Black Sea ports.
The minister emphasized that Western sanctions have complicated the situation and noted that promises to grant exemptions for Russian food shipments have not yet been fulfilled. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that it is unacceptable for the collective West to use this issue for geopolitical aims.
Lavrov also pointed out that Western weapons supplied to Kyiv prolong the conflict and increase civilian casualties, noting that they extend the suffering of the regime in Kyiv as well. The discussions covered Russia’s special operations in Ukraine, with Lavrov expressing confidence that all stated goals would be achieved.
The essence of the grain deal
On July 22, Russia signed documents with the United Nations and Turkey to form a product agreement that lifted export restrictions on Russian agricultural goods and fertilizers, and facilitated grain exports from Ukraine’s Black Sea ports. Ukraine also signed its portion of the agreement with Turkey and the UN. The deal is set for 120 days with a possible extension; termination requires a three-month notice from either side.
A jointly operated coordination center in Istanbul, expected to be functional in August, will address potential incidents. The UN anticipates the capacity to export up to five million tons of grain monthly from Ukrainian ports.
The Russian side signed two documents. The first memorandum involves UN participation in removing export restrictions for Russian agricultural products and fertilizers, while the second outlines the mechanism for exporting Ukrainian agricultural products from Black Sea ports controlled by Kyiv. The agreement includes Odessa, Chornomorsk, and Yuzhny as export points.
Ships headed to Ukraine will undergo arms inspections by representatives from Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, and the United Nations. Road safety will be supported by minesweepers, while Ukrainian territorial waters will not be fully cleared at present.
According to the documents, Moscow and Kyiv agreed not to attack vessels carrying Ukrainian agricultural goods.
Prisoner exchange
Reports indicate the American side seeks to exchange Russian businessman Viktor Bout, detained in the United States, for basketball players Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan.
Bout, arrested in Thailand in 2008 and extradited to the United States in 2010, was convicted in 2012 by a New York court on arms smuggling charges. He received a 25-year prison sentence for crimes including conspiracy to kill United States officials, conspiracy to sell missiles, and collaboration with a rebel group in Colombia. The prosecution called for life imprisonment, and there is no compelling reason cited for his release ahead of his potential parole date in 2029. [Citation: United States court records]
Griner was detained at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport over hashish oil in electronic cigarettes, a substance prohibited in Russia. She faced charges under Article 229.1 and 228 of the Russian Criminal Code regarding smuggling and possession of drugs. In a Khimki court appearance on July 27, she stated that she used medical marijuana with doctor permission and did not intend to violate Russian law. [Citation: Khimki court proceedings]
Whelan, employed by BorgWarner, was detained at the Metropol Hotel on December 28, 2018. He faced espionage charges under Article 276 of the Russian Criminal Code, with a potential 20-year sentence. On June 15, 2020, the Moscow City Court sentenced him to 16 years in a strict-regime colony for espionage. [Citation: Moscow City Court ruling]