Secretary Rubio’s call with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov

Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the Minister’s request. The parties exchanged views on the Russia-Ukraine war, bilateral relations, and the situation in Iran.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov advised U.S. Secretary ​of State Marco Rubio ‌on Monday of Moscow's decision to launch strikes on sites ​in Kyiv linked ​to the Ukrainian military, the ⁠Russian Foreign Ministry said.

A ​statement on the ministry's website ​said Lavrov told Rubio by telephone that the move was initiated "in ​response to the continuing ​terrorist attacks by the Kyiv regime ‌against ⁠the peaceful population and civilian sites on Russian territory."

It said Russia's armed forces "are ​starting systematic ​strikes ⁠on facilities located in Kyiv that are ​used for the ​needs ⁠of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as ⁠on ​centres where the ​corresponding decisions are being made."