The second round of U.S.-Russia talks commenced in Istanbul, focusing exclusively on embassy operations without Ukrainian representatives. The discussions, involving high-ranking diplomats, follow a previous meeting in Saudi Arabia. Amidst strained relations, the Biden administration has curtailed communications with Russia, while Trump’s return to power has led to a reevaluation of U.S. foreign policy.
A Russian delegation recently arrived at the U.S. Consul General’s residence in Istanbul, commencing the second round of talks between Russia and the United States, as reported by the state news agency TASS on February 27. This follows the first round of discussions held in Saudi Arabia on February 18, aimed at negotiating a peace deal for Ukraine, although Ukrainian representatives were not present in these discussions.
While the U.S. State Department confirmed that the current discussions will exclude matters related to Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov indicated that the focus would be on issues pertaining to embassy operations. He stated that the meeting would take place behind closed doors and that the Russian delegation would comprise senior diplomats and experts, although specific names were not disclosed.
Lavrov emphasized that the talks would address systemic issues resulting from what he termed as “illegal activities of the previous U.S. administration” that have hindered the functioning of the Russian Embassy in the United States. He noted that such actions have compelled Russia to respond in kind. Since the full-scale war began, the Biden administration has largely severed official communications with Russia, aiming to isolate President Vladimir Putin internationally.
With Donald Trump’s return to the White House, there has been a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, as the new president has adopted a more critical stance toward Ukraine and other allies, occasionally aligning with narratives propagated by Russia.
In summary, recent dialogue efforts between the U.S. and Russia focus on embassy operations rather than the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. As diplomatic relations have deteriorated under the Biden administration, notable shifts in U.S. foreign policy have arisen concurrently with the change in presidential leadership. The effectiveness of these discussions remains uncertain in the context of the geopolitical challenges presented in the region.
Original Source: kyivindependent.com
