High-level diplomatic representatives from Russia and the United States are set to meet in Istanbul, Türkiye, on February 27 to discuss issues related to their embassies’ operations, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has confirmed. The planned discussions are unfolding amidst a backdrop of prolonged diplomatic hostilities and operational restrictions, which have significantly impeded the functioning of embassies on both sides.

Speaking at a press conference in Doha, Qatar, Lavrov underscored that the Istanbul talks would primarily focus on “normalizing the work of both countries’ embassies.” He noted that the outcome of the meeting could play a key role in determining how “quickly and effectively we can move forward” in re-establishing a stable diplomatic framework.

Lavrov explicitly referenced “systemic issues” that, according to him, stem from “the previous US administration’s unlawful actions to create artificial obstacles” for Russia’s diplomatic mission. He was referring to a series of restrictions imposed on Russian diplomatic operations, some of which date back to the administration of former US President Barack Obama.

These restrictions include diplomatic expulsions and property seizures, which predate the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. In late 2016, during his final weeks in office, Obama ordered Russian diplomats to vacate residential compounds in New York and Maryland. These moves were later compounded by further property seizures, exacerbating tensions between the two countries. Moscow responded with countermeasures, triggering an ongoing cycle of diplomatic retaliation.

Since Joe Biden took office in 2021, tensions have only deepened. Both Washington and Moscow have imposed stringent operational restrictions on each other’s embassies, reducing diplomatic staffing and significantly hampering traditional diplomatic engagements.

As of 2023, the US diplomatic mission in Russia has been led by Ambassador Lynne Tracy. On the Russian side, Anatoly Antonov, who served as Russia’s ambassador to the US, stepped down in October 2024. According to reports from Russian media, Moscow has proposed Aleksandr Darchiev, the head of its North American Department, as Antonov’s successor. However, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova recently stated that Washington has yet to approve his nomination.

Lavrov has emphasized that filling these diplomatic vacancies is essential for improving bilateral relations, arguing that doing so would be an important step toward “cleaning up the legacy” left by the Biden administration.

The upcoming meeting in Istanbul comes on the heels of high-level Russia-US talks held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 18. Those discussions, according to Lavrov, resulted in both sides agreeing to explore pathways toward ending the Ukraine conflict while improving diplomatic and economic ties.

Lavrov described the Riyadh negotiations as a “first step” toward a possible recalibration of relations between Moscow and Washington. While no major breakthroughs were announced, the fact that both countries engaged in direct dialogue suggested a cautious shift in diplomatic posture.

The meeting in Istanbul is expected to focus on resolving operational challenges affecting embassies, but broader geopolitical concerns will likely influence the discussions. Given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, any improvement in US-Russia relations will be heavily scrutinized for potential impacts on the war.

Despite these tentative diplomatic engagements between Moscow and Washington, Lavrov has accused the European Union of attempting to undermine peace efforts in Ukraine.

Speaking at the press conference in Qatar on February 26, Lavrov criticized a resolution drafted by the US that called for a “swift end” to the Ukraine conflict. This resolution, approved by the UN Security Council, did not contain strong language condemning Moscow and was supported by both Russia and China.

Lavrov asserted that “as soon as the political landscape regarding the conflict began to shift, Europe immediately tries to undermine this trend, announces new large packages of military aid to Kiev, incites it to continue military actions.”

He further argued that “Europe’s role in fomenting crises and its reputation in this area, which it has acquired over centuries, remains unchanged.” The Russian foreign minister dismissed the EU’s approach to the war as “hopelessly outdated and failing.”

Reports indicate that the European Union is preparing a new military aid package for Ukraine valued at approximately €6 billion ($6.3 billion). According to Politico, the total could expand to €10 billion as EU member states search their inventories for additional arms and equipment.

This comes amid ongoing debates in Washington over whether to continue funding military aid to Ukraine. Former US President Donald Trump has suggested that the US is not currently providing any military assistance to Kiev, a claim that contrasts sharply with the policies of the Biden administration, which prioritized large-scale military aid to Ukraine.

Moscow has consistently condemned Western arms deliveries to Ukraine, arguing that they serve only to prolong the conflict without altering its eventual outcome. The Kremlin maintains that increased military aid will not shift the fundamental dynamics on the battlefield but will instead escalate tensions further.

The Biden administration’s approach to Ukraine has faced mounting criticism at home, with growing concerns over the financial and strategic costs of continued military assistance. As Washington reassesses its future role in the conflict, Moscow has sought to exploit shifting political dynamics by advocating for a resolution that avoids direct condemnation of its actions.

Meanwhile, European leaders continue to push for sustained support for Ukraine, despite indications that public support for military assistance is wavering in some Western countries.

The selection of Türkiye as the host nation for the US-Russia talks is noteworthy. Ankara has positioned itself as a key diplomatic intermediary in global affairs, leveraging its strategic geographical location and ties with both Washington and Moscow to facilitate negotiations.

Türkiye has previously played a role in mediation efforts between Russia and Ukraine, hosting negotiations in the early stages of the conflict. By hosting the upcoming talks between Russia and the US, Türkiye aims to strengthen its reputation as an influential diplomatic actor on the world stage.

As the Russia-US meeting in Istanbul approaches, it remains uncertain whether the talks will result in substantive progress. The long-standing diplomatic rifts between Moscow and Washington, compounded by embassy staffing issues, mutual sanctions, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, present formidable obstacles to normalization efforts.

However, even limited progress-such as resolving practical issues related to embassy operations-could represent the beginning of a slow thaw in relations.

For now, the world watches as Russia and the United States engage in yet another high-level diplomatic exchange. Whether this signals a meaningful shift or simply another chapter in their prolonged geopolitical standoff remains to be seen.

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