Tillerson to meet Russia's Lavrov this week

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov later this week in Washington, the State Department confirmed on Monday.

During their Wednesday meeting, the foreign ministers will discuss Ukraine, Syria and bilateral issues, the department said in a statement.

"On Syria, the Secretary intends to discuss efforts to de-escalate violence, provide humanitarian assistance to the Syrian people, and set the stage for a political settlement of the conflict," it said.

The American administration's decision to launch a barrage of Tomahawk cruise missiles at a Syrian airfield it believes was used to carry out a deadly chemical attack drew Russia's ire, marking the worst strain in U.S.-Russia relations since President Donald Trump came to office.

But last week Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a discussion about Syria that the White House described as being "very good".

Regarding Ukraine, the State Department said Tillerson and Lavrov will discuss an end to the violence in eastern and the "full implementation" of the Minsk agreements.