Fri Feb 28 05:45:34 UTC 2025: ## US and Russia Hold Talks in Istanbul to Normalize Embassy Operations
**Istanbul, Turkey** – Russian and U.S. diplomats met in Istanbul on Thursday, February 27, 2025, to discuss restoring normal operations at their respective embassies after years of strained relations marked by reciprocal expulsions of diplomats. The talks, which lasted over six hours, followed a phone call between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, and subsequent discussions between senior officials in Saudi Arabia.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that the meeting reflects a mutual willingness to improve ties. President Putin praised the Trump administration’s pragmatic approach, contrasting it with the policies of previous administrations. He expressed hope for restoring relations and resolving systemic global issues, while acknowledging potential attempts by some Western elites to disrupt the dialogue.
The discussions focused on addressing obstacles to embassy operations, including banking access, contracted services, and staffing levels. A U.S. State Department spokesman confirmed that concrete initial steps were identified to stabilize bilateral mission operations. Both sides expressed a commitment to improving diplomatic and economic relations, including an eventual end to the war in Ukraine. However, no Ukrainian officials participated in the talks. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov linked the difficulties to what he described as the “unlawful activities” of the previous U.S. administration.
The meeting in Istanbul marks a significant step toward normalizing relations between Moscow and Washington, which had deteriorated severely following Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The Kremlin emphasized that restoring relations with the U.S. is a precursor to potential peace talks regarding Ukraine. Russian officials expressed optimism about the progress made and the prospect of returning to “civilized communication.”
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