Russia-US talks in Istanbul: Keeping the door slightly open
Traditional Russian wooden nesting dolls, Matryoshka dolls, depicting Russia's President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump are displayed for sale at a gift shop on the touristic Arbat street in downtown Moscow on March 19, 2025. Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed in a call with US counterpart Donald Trump on March 18, 2025 to halt attacks against Ukrainian energy targets, but refused a full ceasefire unless the West halts all military aid for Kyiv. (Photo by Nikita BORISSOV / AFP)
The recent meeting between U.S. and Russian officials in Istanbul was not about peace or political breakthroughs, but rather about function—a quiet effort to keep diplomatic machinery from grinding to a halt.
Embassies on both sides are struggling, operating with limited staff, banking hurdles due to sanctions and slow or blocked visas. Even routine diplomatic movement has become difficult. The talks focused on easing these constraints. The United States raised concerns about Russia’s ban on hiring local staff. Moscow, in turn, demanded the return of frozen diplomatic properties and called for the restoration of direct flights.
These are not symbolic gestures. When diplomacy breaks down at the operational level, dialogue becomes harder, and the risks of silence grow. This was not diplomacy as performance; it was diplomacy as basic maintenance.
Russia-US talks: Minimal gains mean a lot
It is notable that both sides chose to meet again in person. This reflects a minimal yet mutual understanding that some form of communication must be preserved. The fact that such a meeting required a third country speaks volumes about how strained this relationship has become.
Türkiye’s role as host also deserves attention. Ankara has managed to stay in contact with both capitals while firmly guarding its own interests. That balance, difficult as it may be, has positioned Türkiye as a practical venue for dialogue in a deeply polarized environment.
No one should mistake the Istanbul talks for a shift in strategy. The broader conflict remains unresolved.
But in foreign affairs, even small channels of communication matter. Conversations like these help prevent a deeper collapse. Sometimes, keeping the door slightly open is not a sign of progress but a way to avoid greater failure.
Washington’s foreign policy shift
The Trump administration’s willingness to exchange views once again with Russia is welcoming news following a Biden administration which de facto cut all organic communication channels with Moscow.
Türkiye which has maintained ties with Russia despite the Ukraine war and the United States despite the situation in Gaza, is hedging its bets that it can continue playing a mediatory role between global actors and present a venue for open, frank discussions that would lead towards collective benefit.
