Russia and US agree on roadmap for return of seized diplomatic properties

Russia and the United States have agreed to develop a roadmap for the return of six Russian diplomatic properties seized by the United States, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Thursday following a high-level meeting between delegations from both countries in Istanbul.

The announcement followed the second round of expert-level consultations between Russian and American delegations in Istanbul aimed at easing tensions and normalizing diplomatic operations.

Agreement reached on seized diplomatic properties

According to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry, the meeting—hosted at the Russian Consulate General in Istanbul—focused on resolving long-standing issues impacting the two countries’ diplomatic missions.

“A mutual understanding was reached on developing a roadmap for the return of six diplomatic properties seized by the United States and owned by Russia,” the statement noted.

“The consultations, hosted at the Russian Consulate General in Istanbul, were part of ongoing efforts to ‘normalize’ the functioning of the diplomatic missions of both countries and eliminate ‘irritants’ that have accumulated in bilateral relations,” the statement added.

Second round of Russia-US consultations in Istanbul

The April 10 meeting marked the second round of consultations between Moscow and Washington, following a similar session held on Feb. 27 at the residence of the U.S. Consul General in Istanbul.

The most recent talks lasted five and a half hours, according to Russian and U.S. officials.

The Russian delegation was led by Ambassador to the United States Aleksandr Darchiev, while the American side was headed by Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Sonata Coulter.

Focus on embassy operations and diplomatic logistics

During the consultations, both parties exchanged diplomatic notes reaffirming commitments to “support the operations of diplomatic missions with uninterrupted banking and financial services” and discussed the facilitation of visa procedures and freedom of movement for diplomatic staff, the ministry said.

In addition, the Russian side “underscored the urgency of immediate practical steps” regarding the seized properties and stressed the need for “immediate access for Russian representatives to inspect the properties and assess the damages.”

The delegations, led by Russian Ambassador to the United States Alexander Darchiev and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Sonata Coulter, exchanged diplomatic notes to formalise agreed commitments.

These commitments are designed to facilitate unimpeded banking and financial services for Russian and American diplomatic missions, in addition to ensuring the fulfilment of the Russian Federation’s contributions to the budgets of the UN and other international organisations.

In the context of the issue raised by the Russian side regarding the return of six diplomatic real estate properties confiscated by the United States authorities and lawfully owned by the Russian Federation, the parties agreed to develop a roadmap. Ambassador Alexander Darchiev emphasised the importance of urgent practical measures in this regard, including immediate access for Russian representatives to inspect these premises and assess incurred damages.

Discussions also continued on easing visa processing and travel regulations for diplomatic staff within the host countries. The Russian Ambassador pressed for accelerated progress in resolving pivotal issues to bolster mutual trust and expand bilateral business and social ties, such as resuming direct air flights.

Following the consultations, the parties resolved to promptly refine the proposals tabled. The objective remains to achieve mutually acceptable solutions ahead of the next round, the timing of which is currently under coordination.

Russian Foreign Ministry

Russia calls for broader confidence-building measures

Russian Ambassador Darchiev called for advancing on broader issues that could reinforce trust, including the resumption of direct air travel between the two countries.

The ministry noted his remarks in the official statement, “The Russian ambassador urged more decisive steps toward resolving major issues that could contribute to reinforcing mutual trust and expanding business and people-to-people ties, such as the resumption of direct air connectivity.”

The statement also said that “the proposals raised during the consultations would be promptly reviewed,” and the delegations expressed a shared goal of achieving “mutually acceptable solutions before the next round of consultations.”

US State Department confirms bilateral engagement

In a separate statement released by the U.S. State Department, American officials confirmed that “both sides discussed the possibility of organizing a follow-up meeting to address lingering irritants in bilateral diplomatic relations.”

The U.S. delegation also raised concerns about “employment restrictions affecting locally hired staff,” which it described as a major challenge to maintaining “stable and sustainable staffing levels at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow.”

Continuing the constructive approach established in the February 27 meeting, the U.S. and Russian delegations exchanged notes to finalize an understanding to ensure the stability of diplomatic banking for Russian and U.S. bilateral missions. 

The United States reiterated its concerns about the Russian Federation’s policy prohibiting the employment of local staff, which is the key impediment to maintaining for stable and sustainable staffing levels at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow.

Deputy Assistant Secretary Coulter and Ambassador Darchiyev discussed holding a follow-up meeting on these issues in the near term, as needed, with the date, location, and representation to be determined.

U.S. Department of State’s Office of the Spokesperson

Public attention and Türkiye’s mediating role

The talks, held at the Russian consulate on Istanbul’s Istiklal Street, drew public attention throughout the day.

According to Russian media outlet TASS, the large media presence and curious tourists underscored the international interest in the meeting. Several Russian nationals visiting the area reportedly inquired about the gathering, expressing hope that such diplomatic engagement would help pave the way toward broader peace efforts, including on Ukraine.

“The negotiations in Istanbul could play a key role in resolving the conflict in Ukraine,” a Turkish political analyst told TASS. “The fact that Russia and the United States are still talking and making progress shows that agreement is still possible.”

Another Russian media outlet, RIA Novost,i also reported that Türkiye hopes the next round of consultations will be scheduled in the near future. The same source quoted a diplomatic official in Ankara as saying, “We expect this to happen soon.”