 "A vehicle carrying the Russian delagation arrives at the residence of the U.S. Consul General in Istanbul, Turkey, February 27, 2025. Source: Reuters")
Officials and diplomats from the US and Russia met in Turkey on Thursday (February 27) to resolve their disputes concerning their respective embassies in Moscow and Washington DC. Both nations downgraded their diplomatic ties over the past decade, leaving their respective embassies poorly staffed.
Now, the administration of President Donald Trump has taken drastic steps to improve ties with Moscow in his bid to end the conflict in Ukraine.
On February 12, Trump held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin and just six days later, the diplomats from both sides met in Saudi Arabia. On Thursday, diplomats met in Istanbul at the US consul general. Russian media reported that the talks were expected to last five to six hours.
Focus of the talks
The US State Department in a statement said Thursday talks covered issues such as staffing levels, visas and diplomatic banking and Ukraine was not on agenda.
“To be clear, there are no political or security issues on the agenda. Ukraine is not on the agenda,” said a State Department spokesperson.
“The constructiveness of these talks will become apparent very quickly; either issues will get resolved or they won’t. We will know soon if Russia is really willing to engage in good faith,” it added.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin warned that no one should expect the solution to come “easy and quick”. “The problem at hand is too complex and neglected," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday.
“But with the two countries’ political will, with a willingness to hear and listen to each other, I think we will be able to get through this working process.”
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the talks would show “how quickly and effectively we can move". However, he added Russia had created “uncomfortable” situation for US diplomats following collapse of ties under the administration of Joe Biden.
Impact Shorts
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According to reports, the Istanbul talks could pave way for deepening broader co-operation on nuclear disarmament and economy between the two nations.
Earlier this month, Putin said Russia was open to economic ties with Washington DC and would invite US to enter joint projects to mine rare earth deposits. Earlier it was reported by Bloomberg that US and Russian officials have identified the Arctic as a possible area for economic cooperation.
(With inputs from agencies)