U.S., Russia discuss banking and diplomacy at Istanbul talks – U.S. State Department

The U.S. State Department reported the information.

The United States expressed concerns about access to banking and contractual services, as well as the need to maintain a stable level of staff at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow.

"During constructive discussions, both sides identified specific initial steps to stabilize bilateral missions in these areas," the U.S. State Department reported.

Deputy Assistant Secretary Sonata Coulter and Russian Ambassador Alexander Darchiev agreed to hold another meeting on these issues soon.

Earlier, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that it was premature to speculate on the high-level diplomatic meeting between Russia and the U.S. in Istanbul, with information on the results to be provided later, according to Russia's Interfax service.

"Indeed, at the expert level, there is a meeting in Istanbul today, with our diplomats working to develop the understanding reached during the phone conversation between the two presidents and the agreements made in Riyadh between high-level delegations," Peskov told journalists.

Earlier, the Russian propaganda outlet RIA Novosti reported that U.S. and Russian representatives gathered at the residence of the American Consul General in Istanbul.

Announcing the meeting, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed hope that the talks would make it clear how both sides “will be able to move quickly and effectively” in resolving issues.

At 3:22 p.m., the Russian news agency TASS reported that the negotiations between Russians and Americans had concluded, lasting 6.5 hours. The outlet noted that the Russian delegation left the venue without comment.

The Anadolu news agency also reported the conclusion of the talks, adding that the delegations met at the U.S. Consulate General's residence in Istanbul to discuss embassy operations as part of efforts to normalize bilateral relations.

• The White House expects that meetings between Donald Trump and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as well as Russian leader Vladimir Putin, will occur "very soon."