Russia, U.S. conclude negotiations in Istanbul on embassy operations

Russia's RIA Novosti news agency reported on the developments.

The negotiations began at 10 AM (Kyiv time). During this round of consultations, the Russian side raised issues regarding the return of seized diplomatic property and the restoration of direct air travel.

The U.S. State Department stated that during the talks, both the American and Russian delegations exchanged notes to finalize agreements on ensuring stable diplomatic banking services for both countries' 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,” the statement said.

Additionally, the sides discussed the possibility of holding a follow-up meeting on these issues in the near future. The exact timing is currently unknown.

Russian Ambassador to Washington, Alexander Darchiev, also made statements regarding the negotiations. His comments were relayed by Russian propagandists at RIA Novosti.

He stated that the delegations had agreed on further measures to ease the movement of diplomats in the host country and exchanged notes confirming the agreement on uninterrupted banking services for diplomatic missions.

“The heads of the delegations noted serious irritants from the previous U.S. administration that need to be addressed. [...] Russia emphasized the priority of returning confiscated U.S. diplomatic property and expressed readiness to work on a 'roadmap,'" the statement read.

U.S.-Russia talks in Istanbul: background

According to the TASS propaganda outlet, the Russian delegation at the consultations will be led by Ambassador to Washington Alexander Darchiev, while the American delegation will be headed by Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Sonata Coulter. The officials are set to discuss the normalization of embassy operations.

Around 09:30 a.m., a car carrying the Russian delegation arrived at the site of the talks with the United States at the Russian Consulate General in Istanbul, as reported by RIA Novosti.

The second round of consultations between Russia and the United States is expected to last at least four hours.

• State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that no political or security issues, including Ukraine, are on the agenda for the talks in Istanbul.