U.S. and Russian Delegations Meet in Istanbul to Discuss Restoring Diplomatic Operations

U.S. and Russian delegations met in Istanbul on Thursday to discuss the restoration of their diplomatic operations, following a sharp deterioration in relations triggered by the war in Ukraine, which marked the most severe tensions between Moscow and the West since the Cold War.

The U.S. delegation, after arriving at the Russian consulate building in Istanbul earlier in the day, departed around six hours later. The Russian delegation remained at the consulate throughout the talks.

The discussions were led by Russia’s new ambassador to Washington, Alexander Darchiev, and U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Sonata Coulter, as confirmed by Russia’s foreign ministry.

The main goal of the talks, according to both nations, was to address the operational challenges their diplomatic missions face, following years of strained relations, mutual accusations of intimidation, and the freezing of diplomatic assets.

“The focus is not on Ukraine,” said State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce earlier this week. “The discussions are strictly about embassy operations and are not aimed at normalizing broader bilateral ties, which will only happen after peace is established between Russia and Ukraine.”

In recent years, both countries have expressed frustration over the difficulties in obtaining credentials for their diplomats, which has made embassy operations increasingly challenging. Russia has noted that Western sanctions have complicated the process of paying its diplomats, while U.S. officials have reported restrictions on their movements within Russia. Both sides have also cited intimidation tactics.

A significant issue under discussion is diplomatic property. The U.S. has imposed restrictions on six Russian properties, including estates in Long Island and Maryland, consulates in San Francisco and Seattle, and trade missions in Washington and New York.