Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday that the United States had long been involved in the war in Ukraine.
"It seems to me that the Americans have been participating de facto in this war for a long time," Lavrov told Russian state television. "This war is being controlled by the Anglo-Saxons."
Lavrov said that officials including White House national security spokesman John Kirby had said the United States was open to talks but that Russia had refused.
"This war is being controlled by the Anglo-Saxons."
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov
"This is a lie," Lavrov said. "We have not received any serious offers to make contact."
Russia open to Putin meeting Biden at G20
Lavrov also said on Tuesday that Russia will not turn down a meeting between President Vladimir Putin and US President Joe Biden at a forthcoming G20 meeting and would consider the proposal if it receives one.
In an interview on state TV, Lavrov said officials including White House national security spokesman John Kirby had said the United States was open to talks but that Russia had refused.
"This is a lie," Lavrov said. "We have not received any serious offers to make contact."
"We have repeatedly said that we never refuse meetings. If there is a proposal, then we will consider it," Lavrov said.