Russian delegation arrives in Istanbul

A Russian delegation on Thursday arrived at the US consul general’s residence in Istanbul for Russia-US talks aimed at resolving disputes over the work of their respective embassies in Washington and Moscow.

It was gathered that while the scope of the talks is narrow and will not include Ukraine, they will provide a test of both sides’ seriousness about repairing their relations and working to end the war.

The meeting is coming in the wake of a phone call between presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump on February 12 and a high-level diplomatic meeting in Saudi Arabia on February 18.

Trump, in office for just over five weeks, has overturned the policy of his predecessor Joe Biden, who sought to isolate and punish Russia for waging war against Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Ukraine and its European allies are worried that Trump’s push to end the conflict swiftly could lead to a deal with Moscow that sidelines them and undermines their security.

The US State Department said the talks on Thursday, which will be led by working level officials, will not include any discussions on Ukraine or political or security issues, but will still be seen as a test of Moscow’s intent.

“To be clear, there are no political or security issues on the agenda. Ukraine is not  on the agenda.

“The constructiveness of these talks will become apparent very quickly; either issues will get resolved or they won’t. We will know soon if Russia is really willing to engage in good faith,” a State Department spokesperson said.

According to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, the talks would focus on creating better conditions for Russian diplomats in the United States and their US counterparts in Russia, after a series of rows over staffing levels and embassy properties.