US and Russian Delegations Meet in Istanbul to Discuss Embassy Operations

A vehicle carrying the American delagation arrives to the Russian Consulate where American and Russian delegations meet for a second time, to discuss stabilising bilateral embassy operations, in Istanbul, Turkey, April 10, 2025. — Reuters

A vehicle carrying the American delagation arrives to the Russian Consulate where American and Russian delegations meet for a second time, to discuss stabilising bilateral embassy operations, in Istanbul, Turkey, April 10, 2025. — Reuters 
  • “Ukraine is absolutely not on the agenda,” says State Department.
  • Talks solely focused on embassy operations.
  • Russia’s envoy to Washington Alexander Darchiev to lead his side.

ISTANBUL: Delegations from the United States and Russia convened in Istanbul on Thursday to discuss the normalization of operations at their respective diplomatic missions. This meeting comes amidst heightened tensions between Moscow and the West, triggered by the war in Ukraine, marking the most significant confrontation since the Cold War era.

According to the Russian foreign ministry, the talks will be spearheaded by Russia’s newly appointed ambassador to Washington, Alexander Darchiev, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Sonata Coulter.

Both Moscow and Washington have indicated that the primary objective is to restore the functionality of their diplomatic missions. Years of disputes, reciprocal accusations of intimidation, and the freezing of diplomatic properties have strained relations between the two nuclear powers.

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated on Tuesday, “Ukraine is not, absolutely not on the agenda.”

Bruce clarified, “These talks are exclusively focused on our embassy operations and not on normalizing the overall bilateral relationship. Such normalization can only occur, as we have stated, once peace is established between Russia and Ukraine.”

In recent years, both Moscow and Washington have voiced concerns regarding the challenges their diplomats face in obtaining credentials, which has significantly hindered the operation of their embassies.

Russia has reported difficulties in even paying its diplomats due to Western restrictions, while US diplomats have claimed that their movements within Russia are being restricted. Both sides have also alleged instances of intimidation.

Diplomatic property is among the key issues being addressed.

Washington has placed restrictions on six Russian properties, including the Killenworth estate on Long Island, the Pioneer Point “dacha” in Maryland, the Russian consulates in San Francisco and Seattle, and the trade missions in Washington and New York.