Putin and Kerry set to meet in Russia for Ukraine crisis talks

John Kerry is expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin for crucial talks in the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi on Tuesday amid tensions with Moscow over Ukraine. Kerry, the United States’ top diplomat, also will meet with his Russian counterpart Prime Minister Sergey Lavrov, at the Black Sea resort. Russian leaders expect the visit will help mend relations between the two nations. It’s Kerry’s second trip to Russia since taking office in 2013.

This trip is part of our ongoing effort to maintain direct lines of communication with senior Russian officials and to ensure U.S. views are clearly conveyed.

Marie Harf, State Department spokeswoman

Relations between Moscow and the West have been badly damaged over Ukraine, with Western nations accusing Russia of supporting separatists there with arms and manpower — a charge Moscow denies. Russia, meanwhile, has bristled at Washington’s pledge to provide Ukraine with military assistance in the form of hardware and training.