Mending relations, establishing tranquility: Key insights from Russia-US discussions
The Russian foreign minister characterized the discussions as “useful,” with both parties eager to resume contact. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Sergey Lavrov characterized the meeting with the US delegation as “useful.”
Russia and the US have initiated steps toward normalizing relations after years of stagnation under Joe Biden's administration.
On Tuesday, delegations from Moscow and Washington convened in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to discuss the restoration of diplomatic ties, prospective peace talks regarding Ukraine, and an upcoming summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his American counterpart, Donald Trump.
The Russian delegation comprised Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, presidential aide Yury Ushakov, and Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund. The US delegation included Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and special envoy Ambassador Steve Witkoff.
After nearly 4.5 hours of discussions, the following insights emerged from both sides:
**Restoration of Diplomatic Missions**
Lavrov noted that the dialogues were fruitful and emphasized that both delegations worked “quite successfully” to enhance relations. He highlighted that one of the initial agreements made during the talks was to resolve the diplomatic missions' situation, which had deteriorated due to the expulsion of diplomats during Biden’s term, creating communication gaps between Moscow and Washington.
Furthermore, both countries committed to appointing ambassadors to each other's nations swiftly, aiming to dismantle the “artificial barriers” established by the Biden administration that have obstructed Russia’s diplomatic missions and hampered the progress of normal relations.
The deputy heads of the diplomatic departments from both countries will soon meet to address various unresolved matters, including the confiscation of Russian properties in the US and limitations on bank transactions impacting Russia.
**Improving Communication**
Lavrov asserted that the Russian and American delegations “not only listened, but also heard each other” during the discussions. He indicated that the US has begun to gain a clearer understanding of Russia's perspective, which has been articulated many times previously.
He acknowledged that this does not eliminate existing conflicts between the two nations' interests, but emphasized the importance of working towards a constructive dialogue.
He noted that both sides are interested in resuming discussions related to geopolitical issues and removing obstacles to economic collaboration, highlighting the American side's “determination” to “move forward” in their relationship.
**Stance on Ukraine and NATO**
The Russian delegation reiterated its stance on the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing that Ukraine joining NATO would pose a direct threat to Moscow. Lavrov stated, following the press conference, that the deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine, under either EU or national banners, would be unacceptable to Russia.
He also expressed gratitude to Trump for recognizing that Ukraine’s aspirations for NATO membership were significant contributors to the conflict.
**Mutual Consideration of Interests**
Yury Ushakov, a presidential aide, noted that the delegations engaged in serious discussions regarding all pertinent issues but mentioned that it remains unclear if their positions have converged.
However, he acknowledged that Russia and the US have agreed to “take each other’s interests into account” while advancing their bilateral relations.
**Future Discussions on Ukraine**
Ushakov indicated that although both nations outlined their positions on the Ukraine conflict, progress would depend on the “teams of negotiators” from each state working on it “in due course.”
“The Americans should appoint their representatives, we will appoint ours, and then, probably, the work will get underway,” Ushakov remarked.
**Potential for Improved Relations**
Kirill Dmitriev, the RDIF chief, suggested that the two delegations communicated “with respect” and on equal terms, proposing that substantial progress could be made in discussions within two or three months. Although he expressed it was premature to discuss compromises, he stressed that the meeting had established essential foundations for dialogue, with both parties emphasizing the necessity of cooperation and exploring economic opportunities.
“We need to pursue joint projects, including, for example, in the Arctic and other areas,” he stated.
**Uncertainty on Summit Date**
Following the discussions on Tuesday, Ushakov noted that it remained challenging to pinpoint a specific date for the anticipated high-level summit, deeming it “unlikely” that it would occur next week, as had been previously speculated in the media.
**US Commitment to Normalize Relations with Russia**
After the meetings, the US State Department announced that Marco Rubio and his team had reached an agreement with the Russian delegation to establish a “consultation mechanism” aimed at addressing issues within bilateral relations and normalizing the operations of both nations' diplomatic missions.
Rubio confirmed that Russia and the US had agreed to restore the prior number of diplomatic personnel at their embassies in Moscow and Washington, following years of reciprocal diplomatic reductions.
He added that both countries would need to consider future geopolitical and economic cooperation after resolving the Ukraine conflict.
**Creation of Special Team for Ukraine Resolution**
Additionally, Washington declared that both nations had consented to appoint high-level teams tasked with seeking solutions to the Ukraine conflict as swiftly as possible and ensuring a sustainable peace that satisfies all involved parties.
State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce emphasized that “one phone call followed by one meeting” is insufficient for establishing lasting peace, stating that while Tuesday’s engagement marked an “important step forward,” further efforts are necessary.
Sophie Wagner for TROIB News
Russia and the US have initiated steps toward normalizing relations after years of stagnation under Joe Biden's administration.
On Tuesday, delegations from Moscow and Washington convened in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to discuss the restoration of diplomatic ties, prospective peace talks regarding Ukraine, and an upcoming summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his American counterpart, Donald Trump.
The Russian delegation comprised Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, presidential aide Yury Ushakov, and Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund. The US delegation included Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and special envoy Ambassador Steve Witkoff.
After nearly 4.5 hours of discussions, the following insights emerged from both sides:
**Restoration of Diplomatic Missions**
Lavrov noted that the dialogues were fruitful and emphasized that both delegations worked “quite successfully” to enhance relations. He highlighted that one of the initial agreements made during the talks was to resolve the diplomatic missions' situation, which had deteriorated due to the expulsion of diplomats during Biden’s term, creating communication gaps between Moscow and Washington.
Furthermore, both countries committed to appointing ambassadors to each other's nations swiftly, aiming to dismantle the “artificial barriers” established by the Biden administration that have obstructed Russia’s diplomatic missions and hampered the progress of normal relations.
The deputy heads of the diplomatic departments from both countries will soon meet to address various unresolved matters, including the confiscation of Russian properties in the US and limitations on bank transactions impacting Russia.
**Improving Communication**
Lavrov asserted that the Russian and American delegations “not only listened, but also heard each other” during the discussions. He indicated that the US has begun to gain a clearer understanding of Russia's perspective, which has been articulated many times previously.
He acknowledged that this does not eliminate existing conflicts between the two nations' interests, but emphasized the importance of working towards a constructive dialogue.
He noted that both sides are interested in resuming discussions related to geopolitical issues and removing obstacles to economic collaboration, highlighting the American side's “determination” to “move forward” in their relationship.
**Stance on Ukraine and NATO**
The Russian delegation reiterated its stance on the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing that Ukraine joining NATO would pose a direct threat to Moscow. Lavrov stated, following the press conference, that the deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine, under either EU or national banners, would be unacceptable to Russia.
He also expressed gratitude to Trump for recognizing that Ukraine’s aspirations for NATO membership were significant contributors to the conflict.
**Mutual Consideration of Interests**
Yury Ushakov, a presidential aide, noted that the delegations engaged in serious discussions regarding all pertinent issues but mentioned that it remains unclear if their positions have converged.
However, he acknowledged that Russia and the US have agreed to “take each other’s interests into account” while advancing their bilateral relations.
**Future Discussions on Ukraine**
Ushakov indicated that although both nations outlined their positions on the Ukraine conflict, progress would depend on the “teams of negotiators” from each state working on it “in due course.”
“The Americans should appoint their representatives, we will appoint ours, and then, probably, the work will get underway,” Ushakov remarked.
**Potential for Improved Relations**
Kirill Dmitriev, the RDIF chief, suggested that the two delegations communicated “with respect” and on equal terms, proposing that substantial progress could be made in discussions within two or three months. Although he expressed it was premature to discuss compromises, he stressed that the meeting had established essential foundations for dialogue, with both parties emphasizing the necessity of cooperation and exploring economic opportunities.
“We need to pursue joint projects, including, for example, in the Arctic and other areas,” he stated.
**Uncertainty on Summit Date**
Following the discussions on Tuesday, Ushakov noted that it remained challenging to pinpoint a specific date for the anticipated high-level summit, deeming it “unlikely” that it would occur next week, as had been previously speculated in the media.
**US Commitment to Normalize Relations with Russia**
After the meetings, the US State Department announced that Marco Rubio and his team had reached an agreement with the Russian delegation to establish a “consultation mechanism” aimed at addressing issues within bilateral relations and normalizing the operations of both nations' diplomatic missions.
Rubio confirmed that Russia and the US had agreed to restore the prior number of diplomatic personnel at their embassies in Moscow and Washington, following years of reciprocal diplomatic reductions.
He added that both countries would need to consider future geopolitical and economic cooperation after resolving the Ukraine conflict.
**Creation of Special Team for Ukraine Resolution**
Additionally, Washington declared that both nations had consented to appoint high-level teams tasked with seeking solutions to the Ukraine conflict as swiftly as possible and ensuring a sustainable peace that satisfies all involved parties.
State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce emphasized that “one phone call followed by one meeting” is insufficient for establishing lasting peace, stating that while Tuesday’s engagement marked an “important step forward,” further efforts are necessary.
Sophie Wagner for TROIB News
