Russian and American diplomats are scheduled to convene in Istanbul on Thursday to address matters concerning their embassies, as stated by Russia’s foreign minister, amidst a backdrop of improving relations between the two nations.
Since taking office last month, President Donald Trump has significantly altered US foreign policy, engaging with Russian President Vladimir Putin and initiating high-level discussions with Moscow for the first time in over three years.
The upcoming meeting aims to resolve diplomatic challenges that arose after both countries expelled each other’s embassy personnel during the administration of former US President Joe Biden.
“A meeting is set to occur tomorrow in Istanbul. I believe the outcomes will demonstrate how swiftly and effectively we can progress,” Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov remarked on Wednesday during a visit to Qatar.
A source from the Turkish foreign ministry confirmed that “A technical-level meeting will take place between the Russian and American delegations in Istanbul tomorrow.”
“The Turkish government is prepared to offer all necessary support for peace initiatives, including hosting discussions,” the source further noted.
Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously met on February 18 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where they agreed to initiate talks regarding the Ukraine conflict, excluding Kyiv from the discussions.
Since that time, both parties have moved closer together while marginalizing Ukraine.
Last Wednesday, Trump referred to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as a “dictator” and urged him to “act swiftly” to conclude the war.
On Monday, the United States aligned with Russia in two votes at the United Nations, aiming to prevent condemnation of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine that occurred three years ago.
Turkey, a NATO member, has sought to facilitate negotiations aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine, having hosted direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv twice in March 2022.
Lavrov also met with Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani in Doha, as reported by the emir’s office.
