US and Russian diplomats have shared few details of their closed-door discussions in Istanbul, but agree to hold “follow-up” meetings
Russian and US officials held a lengthy expert-level meeting in Türkiye on Thursday to discuss resolving ongoing “diplomatic” disputes, according to Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.
The meeting, which follows a series of high-level bilateral contacts, was reportedly aimed at addressing obstacles hindering the operations of the Russian embassy in Washington and the US embassy in Moscow, including banking access and staffing levels.
Zakharova emphasized the significance of the meeting, stating that it sought to “explore pathways for resolving numerous irritants that persist in bilateral dialogue due to the groundwork laid by the destructive actions of previous US administrations.”
The delegations wrapped up their talks without making any public statements, though Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said details about the outcome would be provided “one way or another.” The sides would not even unveil the composition of their delegations, but according to the State Department, the US was led by Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Russia and Central Europe Sonata Coulter, while the Russians were represented by Ambassador Alexander Darchiev, the chief of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s North Atlantic Department.
“The United States raised concerns regarding access to banking and contracted services as well as the need to ensure stable and sustainable staffing levels at the US Embassy in Moscow,” the State Department said in a brief statement. “Through constructive discussions, both sides identified concrete initial steps to stabilize bilateral mission operations in these areas.”
Zakharova noted that the deterioration of relations was not Russia’s choice and that Moscow’s actions have been proportionate responses to Washington’s moves. Both delegations acknowledged the need to stabilize diplomatic operations and improve communication.
The discussions, which lasted over six hours, are expected to be the first in a series of expert consultations designed to resolve differences and build confidence between the two countries. Both delegations agreed to hold a follow-up meeting in the near future, with the date, location, and representation yet to be determined.
Under US President Donald Trump’s administration, Russia and the US have begun gradually restoring contacts that were virtually non-existent for approximately three years under his predecessor, Joe Biden. A phone call between Trump and Putin on February 12 was followed by a high-level Russia-US meeting in the Saudi capital, Riyadh.
Putin characterized the discussions as “a first step” toward normalization of ties, a sentiment later echoed by Trump. While neither head of state attended the talks – the first in three years – they were conducted by high-level officials, including Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Neither Ukrainian nor EU diplomats were invited to the meeting.
The latest talks in Istanbul, according to Zakharova, were the first in a planned series of expert consultations aimed at fostering confidence-building measures. She noted that both sides recognize the necessity of preventing further deterioration in diplomatic relations and working toward a more constructive dialogue.
