Russia, US discuss embassy operations, direct flights in Istanbul talks

Russian and U.S. officials held talks in Istanbul on February 27 to discuss the normalization of diplomatic relations, focusing on embassy operations and the potential resumption of direct flights between the two countries, according to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Key topics discussed in Istanbul

The meeting, which lasted 6.5 hours, took place at the U.S. Consulate General residence in Istanbul.

The Russian delegation was led by Alexander Darchiev, Director of the North Atlantic Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, while the U.S. delegation was headed by Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Russia and Central Europe, Sonata Coulter.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, both sides agreed on joint steps to ensure the financial stability of their embassies.

Additionally, discussions included proposals to restore direct flights between Russia and the U.S., a move that Moscow has suggested for further consideration.

Diplomatic and logistical challenges between Russia-US

The consultations were held as part of ongoing efforts to build on recent high-level diplomatic engagements.

In accordance with the directives of the foreign ministers, the discussions specifically focused on resolving longstanding diplomatic issues inherited from previous U.S. administrations.

One of the focal points of the negotiations was ensuring that diplomats from both countries could perform their duties under proper conditions.

The talks also addressed outstanding issues regarding Russian diplomatic properties in the U.S., particularly the return of six properties seized between 2016 and 2018.

The Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized the need for practical outcomes that would contribute to improving bilateral relations in the interests of both nations. Moscow also formally proposed that the U.S. consider reinstating direct air travel between the two countries.

Future engagements

The discussions were described as “constructive and businesslike,” with both parties agreeing to maintain an open dialogue on these issues moving forward.

While no specific timeline was set, the Istanbul consultations marked a step toward stabilizing U.S.-Russia relations amid broader geopolitical tensions.

On 27 February, the Director of the North Atlantic Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry A. N. Darchiev and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State S. Coulter held Russian-American consultations in an expert format in Istanbul on normalizing the functioning of the diplomatic missions of both countries as a follow-up to recent bilateral contacts at the highest and highest levels.

In accordance with the assignment of the foreign ministers, the sides discussed ways to overcome numerous “irritants” inherited from the previous U.S. administrations. Joint steps were agreed to ensure unimpeded financing of the activities of the Russian and U.S. diplomatic missions on a reciprocal basis and to create appropriate conditions for diplomats to fulfill their official duties.

The sides also touched upon issues related to Russia’s diplomatic property in the United States in the context of the return to the Russian side of six real estate properties illegally seized between 2016 and 2018. The demand for practical results designed to create conditions for the improvement of bilateral relations in the interests of the peoples of our countries was emphasized. In concrete terms, the American side was invited to consider the possibility of restoring direct air communication.

The discussions took place in a substantive and businesslike manner. It was agreed to continue the dialog through this channel.

Russian Foreign Ministry

The potential resumption of direct flights and the resolution of embassy financial operations are expected to be key agenda items in future discussions between the two countries.