Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov meets US counterpart Mike Pompeo

They met on the sidelines of the 11th ministerial meeting of the Arctic Council and discussed "topics concerning strategic stability", Mr. Lavrov said later at a press conference.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he had a "good conversation" with his Russian counterpart about Venezuela and other subjects, while Mr. Sergei Lavrov called the talks "constructive."

The diplomats’ meeting came amid simmering tensions over the crisis in Venezuela.

Mr. Lavrov also said he was sure that Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump would have another chance to meet again, after their summit in Helsinki last year.

Asked what Russia would do if the US intervened militarily in Venezuela, Foreign Minister Lavrov said he hoped there would be no military option, as it would be "catastrophic" and US diplomats understand that./.