Lavrov, Blinken to Meet in Reykjavik on May 20

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken agreed to meet in Reykjavik on May 20, Russian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

The Russian foreign ministry said Lavrov and Blinken had spoken over phone and had a discussion about international and bilateral ties. The conversation ended by agreeing to hold separate talks "on the sidelines" of the ministerial meeting of the Arctic Council on May 20.

Moreover, Blinken reiterated President Joe Biden’s resolve to protect U.S. citizens and act firmly in defense of U.S. interests in response to actions by Russia that harm us or our allies, according to U.S. Department of State.

In his conversation with Lavrov, Blinken called on Russia to release Paul Whelan and Trevor Reed so they can return home to their families.

On a separate note, the U.S. Secretary has condemned the Kremlin’s entry ban on officials from the EU, but affirmed that they seek more constructive relationship with Russia.

The U.S. Secretary stated on Twitter that Washington joins “EU leaders in condemning” Russia’s entry ban on EU officials, which he described as “yet another effort by Moscow to intimidate critics.”

“Alongside our partners and Allies, we seek a more constructive relationship with Russia, but it must honor its international commitments,” he went on saying.

On 30 April, the Russian foreign ministry published a blacklist of eight EU nationals who were banned from entering Russia.