Russian and U.S. diplomats will convene in Istanbul on Feb. 27 to discuss restoring their respective diplomatic missions, a move seen as a step toward improving bilateral relations amid the ongoing Ukraine war.
Shift in U.S. Policy Under Trump Administration
The talks mark a policy shift under President Donald Trump, who has reversed Joe Biden’s approach of isolating Russia over its Ukraine invasion. Instead, Trump’s administration is now focusing on restoring ties with Moscow and seeking to end the three-year conflict with Kyiv.
This diplomatic thaw began with a Feb. 12 call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, followed by high-level meetings in Riyadh last week. During those talks, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov agreed to open discussions on restoring diplomatic missions.
However, Washington’s warming relations with Moscow have raised concerns among European allies.
Focus on Diplomacy, Not Ukraine
The State Department clarified that the Istanbul talks, led by Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Sonata Coulter and Russian Foreign Affairs Director Aleksandr Darchiyev, will focus solely on diplomatic matters.
“To be clear, there are no political or security issues on the agenda. Ukraine is not on the agenda,” a State Department spokesperson emphasized.
The U.S. will evaluate Russia’s willingness to engage in good faith, with the spokesperson adding:
“The constructiveness of these talks will become apparent very quickly; either issues will get resolved or they won’t.”
Addressing Diplomatic Disputes
Lavrov stated that discussions would aim to ease restrictions on Russian diplomats in the U.S. and vice versa, after years of staffing limitations and embassy disputes.
“Our high-level diplomats and experts will address the systemic problems caused by the illegal activities of the previous (U.S.) administration,” Lavrov said, referring to diplomatic obstacles created under Biden’s tenure.
Key topics include:
- Staffing levels and visa policies
- Diplomatic banking
- Operational issues at embassies and consulates
The talks will cover U.S. and Russian embassies in Washington and Moscow, as well as Russian consulates in New York and Houston, but will not include discussions on Russia’s mission to the United Nations.
Economic Cooperation and Future Talks
Both countries are also exploring potential business ventures, with Putin suggesting joint projects on rare earth deposits in Russia and territories claimed in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reaffirmed the possibility of a future Trump-Putin summit, though no details have been set. He noted that while another phone call between the leaders is possible, there are no immediate plans.