Teams from the US and Russia gather in Istanbul to discuss repairing their relationship

As a first step toward reestablishing broader ties and putting an end to the conflict in Ukraine, Russian and American officials convened in Turkey on Thursday to discuss matters pertaining to their respective embassies in Washington and Moscow.

The Kremlin last year characterized relations as “below zero” during the Joe Biden administration, which supported Ukraine with arms and aid while punishing Russia with waves of sanctions for its 2022 invasion.

Nevertheless, since taking office last month, President Donald Trump has quickly reversed that stance and initiated negotiations with Moscow, promising to keep his repeated pledge to end the war quickly.

Following a high-level diplomatic meeting in Saudi Arabia six days later and a phone conversation with President Vladimir Putin on February 12, Trump is now holding talks in Istanbul.

The Russian crew arrived to the guarded mansion of the U.S. consul general in Istanbul in a black Mercedes van for the meeting. Five to six hours were anticipated for the talks, according to Russian official television.

The swift thaw between Trump and Moscow has raised concerns among Ukraine and its European allies that an agreement on ending the war will marginalize them and jeopardize their security. Trump claims he wants to halt the violence as soon as possible.

This week, Putin dampened hopes for a speedy agreement by stating that something could not be accomplished until the US and Russia’s confidence was restored.

“Nobody expects answers to be simple and quick. Speaking to reporters Thursday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, “The issue at hand is too complicated and neglected.”

“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.”

THE US AND RUSSIA HAVE DECLINED TIES OVER THE LAST DECADE.

Due to tit-for-tat tactics during the past ten years, Russia and the US have reduced the number of new hires at each other’s embassies and expelled ambassadors, leaving their embassies understaffed.

The U.S. State Department stated that topics including diplomatic banking, visas, and staffing levels would be discussed during the discussions on Thursday.

The agenda does not include any political or security concerns, to be clear. A spokesman for the State Department stated prior to the meeting that Ukraine was not on the agenda.

“It will be clear very quickly if these discussions are beneficial or not; either way, problems will be resolved. We will quickly ascertain whether Russia is genuinely prepared to participate in good faith.

“The outcome of the meeting will show how quickly and effectively we can move,” stated Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

According to him, Russia has “created uncomfortable conditions” for American diplomats in Moscow as payback for Washington’s treatment of Russian officials.

Even while the discussions are limited, they may ultimately result in advancements in areas like economic cooperation and nuclear disarmament that affect the entire Russia-U.S. relationship.

Potential for profitable business endeavors is seen by both parties. The U.S. would be welcome to join collaborative ventures to exploit rare earth reserves in Russia and the areas of Ukraine that Moscow has claimed as its own, Putin stated this week.

Despite the lack of serious discussions, Peskov stated that cooperative development of the Arctic’s natural resources was possible.

The Russian group was led by Alexander Darchiyev, chief of the foreign ministry’s North America division, while the U.S. delegation was led by Sonata Coulter, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State.

Darchiyev is thought to be the leading candidate to fill the vacancy as Russia’s next ambassador to the United States.