US‑Russia talks in Istanbul conclude after six‑hour session
Negotiations between Russia and the United States in Istanbul have concluded, according to Russian media. RIA Novosti reported that diplomats stated they would not issue official statements summarizing the meeting.
Russian-American talks took place on Thursday in Turkey. The meeting was held at the Russian Consulate General in Istanbul.
The Kremlin had earlier informed the public that representatives of the Russian diplomatic department, led by Russia's ambassador to Washington, Alexander Darchiev, were expected to participate. The American delegation was to be led by Sonata Coulter, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State.
US-Russia talks: Media reports they lasted almost six hours
According to Russia's state agency RIA Novosti, the US-Russia talks have concluded. They reportedly lasted nearly six hours.
The agency, citing its source, also reported that the delegations do not plan to release statements after the meeting.
Alexander Darchiev had earlier mentioned that the talks might cover issues such as the resumption of air connections between the United States and Russia and the return of Russian diplomatic property. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov discussed the possibility of normalizing diplomatic relations. RIA Novosti reported after the meeting that the war in Ukraine was not a topic of discussion.
The previous talks between the US and Russian delegations took place in March in Saudi Arabia. The leaders of both countries, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, have had two phone conversations in recent months.
