In a significant step toward easing years of diplomatic friction, Russian and U.S. diplomats convened in Istanbul today to discuss normalising the operations of their respective embassies in Moscow and Washington. The closed-door meeting, held at the U.S. Consul General’s residence, marks a rare moment of engagement between the two nations, whose relations have been strained by mutual expulsions, restrictions, and geopolitical tensions since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The talks follow a surprising shift in U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump, who has signaled a willingness to engage with Moscow after years of confrontation. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, speaking to journalists in Doha on Wednesday, framed the meeting as an effort to address “systemic problems” caused by what he called “unlawful activities of the previous U.S. administration”, which he claimed created artificial obstacles for Russia’s embassy. “We reciprocated, naturally, making conditions uncomfortable for the American embassy in Moscow,” Lavrov added, hinting at a tit-for-tat cycle that has left both diplomatic missions severely understaffed.
For years, the U.S. Embassy in Moscow and the Russian Embassy in Washington have operated with skeletal crews, battered by waves of diplomat expulsions and operational curbs. The situation worsened in 2021 when Russia forced the dismissal of local staff at U.S. missions, and both sides have since traded accusations of harassment and interference. Today’s discussions, described as “technical” by Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Oncu Keceli, aim to reverse that trend by restoring staffing levels and smoothing consular functions, steps seen as vital for broader dialogue.
The Istanbul meeting builds on momentum from last week’s talks in Riyadh, where high-level Russian and U.S. officials, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, agreed to work toward ending the war in Ukraine and improving bilateral ties. That breakthrough, which included a commitment to normalise diplomatic missions, caught many observers off guard, given the Biden administration’s earlier focus on isolating Russia. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov tied today’s talks to a recent call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggesting a top-level push to reset relations.
Valentina Matvienko, speaker of Russia’s upper parliamentary house, expressed optimism during a visit to Ankara today. “I’m sure agreements will be reached, and we’ll return to civilised communication disrupted by the previous administration,” she told reporters. A U.S. Embassy official in Ankara confirmed the agenda centers on embassy operations, explicitly noting that Ukraine was not up for discussion, a detail that has raised eyebrows among critics who fear Washington’s pivot might sideline Kyiv.
The stakes are high. Restoring embassy functions could pave the way for appointing ambassadors (positions vacant in both capitals for months) and facilitate trade, visa services, and citizen support. Yet, the move has sparked debate. In Washington, some lawmakers worry it signals a softening toward Moscow amid its ongoing war, while in Russia, hardliners question whether improved ties with the U.S. serve national interests.
For now, the outcome remains uncertain. Lavrov suggested the talks’ success would determine “how quickly and effectively we can move forward”. Whether this marks a genuine thaw or a fleeting gesture, only time will tell.