A Russian delegation is holding its second round of talks with the U.S. in Istanbul, focusing on embassy operations, as discussions about Ukraine remain absent. This follows previous talks in Saudi Arabia and reflects the ongoing tensions following the Biden administration’s isolationist strategy towards Russia. The meetings involve high-ranking diplomats but exclude Ukrainian delegates.
On February 27, a delegation from Russia commenced the second round of discussions with the United States at the official residence of the U.S. Consul General in Istanbul, as reported by the state news agency TASS. This meeting follows an initial round held in Saudi Arabia on February 18, coinciding with U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts to facilitate a peace agreement regarding the conflict in Ukraine. Notably, Ukrainian representatives were excluded from these talks.
The U.S. State Department clarified that this round of meetings would not address the situation in Ukraine; rather, it will focus on issues related to embassy operations. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov indicated that the talks would involve high-ranking diplomats and specialists, although specific names were not disclosed. The discussions aim to resolve enduring problems attributed to actions taken by the previous U.S. administration that hindered the activities of the Russian Embassy.
Lavrov remarked on Russia’s response to what he described as “the illegal activities of the previous U.S. administration to create artificial obstacles to the activities of the Russian Embassy.” This meeting is particularly significant as it occurs against the backdrop of the Biden administration’s decision to sever most official communications with Russia following the onset of a full-scale war, an action designed to isolate President Vladimir Putin internationally. Trump’s return to office signifies a drastic shift in U.S. foreign policy, adopting a more critical stance towards Ukraine and sometimes aligning with Russian viewpoints.
In summary, the recent talks between U.S. and Russian delegations in Istanbul signify an ongoing dialogue primarily focused on embassy operations, deliberately sidestepping the contentious issue of Ukraine. With the Biden administration’s shift towards isolation of Russia and Trump’s controversial approaches to foreign relations, the dynamics of U.S.-Russia interactions continue to evolve amid global tensions.
Original Source: kyivindependent.com
