Pompeo - Putin meeting in Moscow: An attempt to stabilize bilateral relations

(Patria) – US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss the crisis in relations with Iran, agencies report.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called the meeting an attempt to stabilize bilateral relations that have been affected by the special counsel investigation and growing tensions in Venezuela and Iran, where the interests of the two world powers are in conflict.

Lavrov previously blamed the US for provoking the current crisis in Iran by withdrawing from the nuclear deal reached by former President Barack Obama.

We remind you that Iran began a partial withdrawal from the agreement last week.

Lavrov stated that he will try to clarify with Pompeo how the US plans to exit the crisis "they created with unilateral decisions," and emphasized that he expects an "honest conversation" with the US Secretary of State.

Pompeo met with European leaders on the same topic in Brussels last week.

Russian media reported that Pompeo will request a meeting between US President Trump and Putin at the G20 summit planned for June, although the Russian Foreign Ministry claims it has not received such a request, writes The Guardian.

The two sides will discuss Ukraine, where, we remind you, Russia has offered Russian passports to Ukrainians living near the areas controlled by separatists.

Pompeo and Lavrov are expected to meet first in Sochi, and President Putin will join the talks somewhat later.

Pompeo recently accused Russia of direct interference in the crisis in Venezuela by allegedly convincing Maduro to stay in the country, agencies report.