Image: ln24SA
A new round of diplomatic talks between Russia and the United States will take place in Moscow in the near future, according to Russia’s Ambassador to the U.S., Alexander Darchiev.
On Tuesday, Darchiev confirmed that the decision to relocate the discussions to Moscow was “preliminary,” but signaled what he called “forward momentum” in efforts to ease tensions in bilateral relations.
“The main topic remains the same removing irritants in our diplomatic relations,” Darchiev said, noting that while full normalization remains distant, progress is still possible.
The ambassador pointed to powerful opposition forces within the U.S. as obstacles to better relations, including what he described as the “deep state” and “hawks in Congress” fueling anti-Russian sentiment.
The upcoming Moscow meeting follows two prior rounds of talks held in Istanbul on February 27 and April 10. Those consultations focused on restoring normal operations at the Russian and U.S. embassies and reducing barriers to diplomatic engagement.
Darchiev led the Russian delegation, while the U.S. side was represented by Sonata Coulter, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs.
“Importantly, there is still forward momentum albeit entirely reversible,” Darchiev said, referring to the consensus reached in Istanbul to move future talks to national capitals.
No specific date has been announced, but both sides are expected to finalize the schedule soon.
These consultations come amid strained U.S.-Russia relations marked by continued tensions over Ukraine, sanctions, espionage claims, and restrictions on diplomatic staff.
Get the latests of our Loveworld News from our Johannesburg Stations and News Station South Africa, LN24 International