The U.S. and Russian diplomats commenced their second round of talks in Istanbul focusing on embassy operations rather than the Ukraine issue. This follows an earlier meeting in Saudi Arabia, and the discussions were prompted by perceived barriers caused by previous U.S. actions. The Biden administration has aimed to limit contact with Russia amid ongoing conflicts.
On February 27, a Russian delegation visited the U.S. Consul General’s residence in Istanbul to commence the second round of talks between the United States and Russia, as reported by the state news agency TASS. This follows the first meeting held in Saudi Arabia on February 18, aimed at advancing a peace agreement regarding Ukraine, which Ukrainian representatives were notably excluded from attending.
The discussions in Istanbul will not address the situation in Ukraine, according to a spokesperson from the U.S. State Department. Instead, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that the focus would be on embassy operations and the “systemic problems” resulting from actions taken by the previous U.S. administration that created barriers for the Russian embassy’s activities.
The upcoming meeting will be closed to the public, with Lavrov indicating that it will involve high-level diplomats and experts from Russia, though specific names have not been disclosed. He emphasized that these talks aim to address the issues stemming from what he termed the “illegal activities” of the prior U.S. administration, which had provoked a reciprocal response from Moscow.
Following the onset of the full-scale war, the Biden administration has significantly reduced official interactions with Russia, aiming to isolate President Vladimir Putin internationally. Moreover, Donald Trump’s return to the presidency represents a pivotal change in the U.S. foreign policy landscape, with an increased tendency towards critical assessments of Ukraine and a willingness to echo some Russian positions.
The recent round of U.S.-Russian talks in Istanbul signifies an important diplomatic engagement, albeit with a focus away from the critical issue of Ukraine. As the discussion centers on embassy operations, it highlights underlying tensions resulting from previous U.S. policies. The outcomes of these meetings may influence future U.S.-Russian relations, especially in light of the evolving geopolitical landscape under the current administration.
Original Source: kyivindependent.com
