Russian delegation arrives for talks with US counterparts

27/2/2025 15:33

A Russian delegation arrived on Thursday at the U.S. consul general's residence in Istanbul for Russia-U.S. talks aimed at resolving disputes over the work of their respective embassies in Washington and Moscow.



While the scope of the talks is narrow and will not include Ukraine, they will provide a test of both sides' seriousness about repairing their relations and working to end the war.



The meeting follows a phone call between presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump on Feb. 12 and a high-level diplomatic meeting in Saudi Arabia on Feb. 18.



In office for just over five weeks, Trump has overturned the policy of his predecessor Joe Biden, who sought to isolate and punish Russia for waging war against Ukraine.



The U.S. State Department said Thursday's talks, which will be led by working level officials, will not include any discussions on Ukraine or political or security issues, but will still be seen as a test of Moscow's intent.



Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the talks would focus on creating better conditions for Russian diplomats in the United States and their U.S. counterparts in Russia, after a series of rows over staffing levels and embassy properties.