Russian foreign minister says he sensed ‘more constructive’ approach after meeting with Pompeo

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reportedly said Monday he sensed a “more constructive” approach from American officials after speaking last week with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo about strategic dialogue between the nations. 

“I felt certain small moves toward a more constructive approach by our American partners,” Lavrov said Monday, Reuters reported, citing the ministry’s website. 

Lavrov and Pompeo met Friday on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, a meeting that neither official has spoken about so far in much detail. 

Lavrov reportedly said the officials discussed issues related to strategic dialogue and arms control. 

The New START accord, the remaining arms control between U.S. and Russia, expires next year. 

U.S. officials have said the treaty is flawed and outdated, but Russia has said it is ready to extend it.