Lavrov told reporters after the talks that the dialogue between the two countries will continue regarding Russia's security proposals on legally binding security guarantees and the US has promised to give Russia a written reply to its security demands next week.

Lavrov said he hopes this can help ease tensions in Ukraine and reaffirmed that Moscow does not pose any threat to the neighboring country. He said Russia’s President Vladimir Putin is always ready to meet with US President Joe Biden but the meeting needs to be carefully prepared.

Blinken said the discussion was frank and substantive. He said he hopes for more diplomatic measures to resolve the crisis in Ukraine.

Blinken also said he discussed Iran with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, warning there was only a brief window to bring talks to save the 2015 Iran nuclear deal to a successful conclusion. Blinken told reporters the deal was an example of how Moscow and Washington can work together on security issues.