Kerry has been the point man on dealing with Russia because his close
relationship with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov represents the
last remaining functional diplomatic channel between Washington and
Moscow. They meet often, often without any staff members present, and
talk on the phone regularly. Obama and Putin, on the other hand, are
known to have an intense dislike for each other and very rarely speak.
In several conversations with Lavrov, Kerry has floated an
offer to Russia that would pave the way for a partial release of some of
the most onerous economic sanctions. Kerry’s conditions included Russia
adhering to September's Minsk agreement and
ceasing direct military support for the Ukrainian separatists. The
issue of Crimea would be set aside for the time being, and some of the
initial sanctions that were put in place after Crimea’s annexation would
be kept in place.
Source: Bloomberg, Dec 31, 2014, article entitled, Inside Obama’s Secret Outreach to Russia
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