G20: US takes up nuclear treaty, Ukraine with Russia

New Delhi: The G20 platform served as the first meeting point for US secretary of state Anthony Blinken and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov since the Ukraine war, with the US urging Russia to re-engage on the nuclear weapons control treaty and end the "war of aggression".

The Russian side said US officials asked for the meeting on the sidelines of foreign ministers' meet. Speaking to the media later, Blinken said he 'spoke briefly' with Lavrov and asked Russia to engage in diplomacy to produce a just and durable peace.

"I urged Russia to reverse its irresponsible decision and return to implementing the new START treaty which places verifiable limits on nuclear arsenals of the US and Russia. A mutual compliance is in the interest of both nations," Blinken said.


He also pointed out that talks on nuclear weapons control have continued through earlier instances of confrontation. "I told the foreign minister no matter what is happening in the world and our relationship, the US will always be ready to engage and act on strategic arms control. Just like the US and Russia did at the height of the cold war," he added.

On the Ukraine crisis, Blinken said he urged Russia to engage in meaningful diplomacy to produce peace but President Putin has demonstrated no interest in engaging in talks. He also accused Russia of 'weaponising' world hunger and urged Moscow to resume the Black Sea treaty to ensure safe export of food from Ukraine. Blinken warned China against providing material support to Russia in its war against Ukraine. Blinken said it has been made clear that were China to engage in lethal arms support to Russia, 'there would be consequences'.