Arad Alexander, let's talk about the diplomatic situation between Russia and the United States

and some statements from Riyapkov, who is the deputy foreign minister for Russia,

and many people believe he will be the next foreign minister after Lavrov.

So he said some things about the normalization of relations between Russia and the United States,

the meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska, and how all of this has pretty much been exhausted.

And it looks like we're not on the path towards any

type of reprashmo between the United States and Russia. Whatever, whatever happened, three, four

months ago has pretty much run its course. The interesting part about the statements from Ryapkov is that once again,

all of the blame is being placed on the Europeans. None of it is being placed on the Trump

administration, President Trump, Kellogg, the neocons. So it looks like Putin's line of keeping the door open to the United States remains.

Yeah.

That is absolutely true, but I think at the same time one has to say this.

That line is clearly beginning to crumble.

And this statement by Ryabkov is extremely important and very interesting, and we'll come to it in the moment.

But it must be taken in conjunction with Putin's various statements, the one at the Valdai conference in Sochi,

the one that he gave to Zarubin, the interview he gave to Zarobin about the Tomahawks,

and of course another meeting which took place in St. Petersburg, where Putin met with the generals

and received a briefing from General Gerasimov.

Now there's some questions about that meeting,

which I'll come to shortly. But anyway, let's talk about Yabqv and his statement. Now,

Ryabkuf is a very senior person in the Russian Foreign Ministry. You're absolutely correct.

There have been rumors that when Lavrov finally retires, it will be Ryabkov who will take over.

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