Russian Foreign Minister Makes Inappropriate Comment to Female Reporter During Meeting with John Kerry

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov made an inappropriate remark to a female reporter during a meeting with Secretary of State John Kerry. When she posed a question, Lavrov responded by advising her not to address a gentleman while “on her knees,” referencing Kerry and laughing. Kerry remained silent, clasping his hands, as the two officials later moved behind closed doors to discuss the ongoing military operations in Syria. This comment came after a separate question from another female journalist about recent Russian airstrikes, which Lavrov deflected by directing her to the Russian defense minister's statements and advising her not to rely on the Pentagon’s account.