CRI听力:Putin, Kerry Discuss Closer Cooperation on Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has met with US Secretary of State John Kerry in Sochi.

Kerry, who has also held talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, says his discussions with Putin have been "frank" and "productive", adding that the US and Russia can work together on pressing international issues.

"From the Geneva communique to the removal of Syria's chemical weapons, I would emphasize that we have seen what happens when Russia and the United States work together. It is clearly possible to make real progress and make important things happen."　

On Ukraine, Kerry says Moscow needs to adhere to the international agreements signed earlier this year in Minsk.

"I reiterated America's view that the Minsk agreements are absolutely, in our judgment, by far the best path, the principle path, to peace, and those agreements must be fully implemented - the sooner, the better. If and when Minsk is fully implemented, it is clear the US and EU sanctions can begin to be rolled back."

For his part, Lavrov says both sides have agreed to seek a peaceful solution in Ukraine.

"There are certain differences between Russia and the United States about the origin of this crisis and current assessments of its development. But we were absolutely united in understanding that this problem should be resolved by peaceful means only, through full and comprehensive implementation of the Minsk agreements."

Lavrov also says Russia is ready to work with the US on issues connected to Syria and Iran.

However, he has insisted Russia "will not bow to coercion."

The US-Russia ties are said to be at their lowest point since the end of the Cold War due to the situation in Ukraine, particularly Russia's annexation of Crimea.

Russia is said to be supporting the rebels in Ukraine.

Moscow has consistently denied that.