U.S. and Russian Diplomats Hold Talks in Turkey Over Embassy Disputes
Diplomats from the United States and Russia met in Turkey on Thursday to discuss longstanding disputes regarding their embassies in Washington and Moscow. The meeting serves as an initial step toward resetting bilateral relations and potentially addressing broader geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The Kremlin previously described U.S.-Russia relations as being at an all-time low under President Joe Biden, who imposed strict sanctions on Moscow and provided military aid to Ukraine following Russia’s 2022 invasion. However, Biden’s successor, President Donald Trump, has taken a different approach, moving quickly to engage with Moscow. Since taking office last month, Trump has pledged to fulfill his commitment to ending the conflict swiftly.
The discussions in Istanbul followed a phone call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 12, as well as a high-level diplomatic meeting in Saudi Arabia six days later.
The Russian delegation arrived at the U.S. consul general’s residence in Istanbul in a black Mercedes van, with state media reporting that the discussions were expected to last between five and six hours.
Concerns Over Ukraine and European Security
Ukraine and its European allies remain wary of Trump’s swift diplomatic overtures, fearing that a U.S.-Russia deal could undermine their security interests. Trump has emphasized his desire for an immediate ceasefire to halt the bloodshed, but Putin has indicated that trust between the two nations must first be rebuilt.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged the complexity of the issues at hand, stating, “No one expects quick and easy solutions. However, with political will and a willingness to engage, we can navigate this process.”
Diplomatic Relations Have Deteriorated Over the Past Decade
Over the past ten years, both nations have significantly downgraded diplomatic ties, expelling diplomats and restricting new appointments in retaliatory measures. As a result, their embassies have become severely understaffed.
According to the U.S. State Department, the Istanbul talks focused on staffing, visas, and diplomatic banking, with no political or security matters—such as the Ukraine conflict—officially on the agenda.
“The success of these talks will become clear quickly—either progress will be made, or it won’t,” a U.S. State Department spokesperson stated before the meeting. “We’ll soon know if Russia is engaging in good faith.”
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov echoed this sentiment, stating that the outcome would indicate how effectively the two nations could cooperate moving forward. He acknowledged that Moscow had made diplomatic conditions difficult for U.S. personnel in Russia, describing it as a response to Washington’s treatment of Russian diplomats.
Possible Future Cooperation
While the current discussions remain focused on embassy-related matters, officials on both sides have hinted that progress in these talks could eventually lead to broader cooperation in areas such as nuclear disarmament and economic partnerships.
Putin recently suggested that Russia might invite the U.S. to collaborate on rare earth mining projects within Russian-controlled territories, while Peskov mentioned the potential for joint resource development in the Arctic—though no formal negotiations on that subject have taken place.
The U.S. delegation in Istanbul was led by Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Sonata Coulter, while Russia’s team was headed by Alexander Darchiyev, who currently oversees the foreign ministry’s North America department. Darchiyev is considered a leading candidate for the vacant position of Russian ambassador to the United States.
The outcome of these discussions could shape the trajectory of U.S.-Russia relations in the coming months.