US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and exchanged views on the Russia-Ukraine war and the situation in Iran, said the US Department of State spokesperson Tommy Pigott.

Mr Pigott said the parties exchanged views on the Russia-Ukraine war, bilateral relations, and the situation in Iran.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Russia’s decision to launch strikes on sites in Kyiv is linked to the continuing attacks by the Kyiv regime against the peaceful population and civilian sites on Russian territory.

Mr Lavrov also drew Rubio’s attention to the Russian Foreign Ministry’s statement which recommended that the US, along with other countries with diplomatic missions in Kiev, ensure the evacuation of their diplomats from the Ukrainian capital.