Istanbul became the stage for another crucial round of diplomatic consultations between Russia and the United States on Thursday, as officials from both nations gathered to address key issues affecting their embassies’ operations. The discussions, held at the Russian Consulate General, aimed to ease diplomatic tensions and normalize bilateral relations.
Leading the Russian delegation was Moscow’s Ambassador to Washington, Alexander Darchiev, while Sonata Coulter, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs, headed the American side. The negotiations, expected to last four to five hours, followed a previous round of talks held in February at the US Consul General’s residence in Istanbul.
Russia-US talks in Istanbul on normalizing embassies work are done for today — TASS
The talks lasted for 5.5 hours. There will be no press statement pic.twitter.com/0Kosr7dLCO
— RT (@RT_com) April 10, 2025
At the heart of the discussions was Russia’s demand for the return of diplomatic properties it claims were wrongfully confiscated by the US. Other key topics included the movement of diplomats, visa regulations, and financial restrictions imposed on diplomatic missions. Darchiev emphasized the need to address what he called the “toxic legacy” of previous US policies that had severely impacted Russian diplomatic activities.
A statement from Russia’s Foreign Ministry after the first round of talks noted that both sides had agreed to measures ensuring the uninterrupted financing of their respective diplomatic missions. Moscow has also proposed the restoration of direct flights between the two countries, underscoring the need for concrete steps to improve relations.
Diplomatic ties between the US and Russia have been strained for over a decade, marked by multiple expulsions of diplomats and staffing cuts at embassies. The Istanbul consultations are seen as a cautious attempt to mend relations, with both nations agreeing to maintain ongoing diplomatic contact in the coming months.
