Moscow, April 2, 2025 – The Europe Today: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced on Tuesday that Moscow and Washington are making headway in addressing obstacles in diplomatic relations, with plans for another round of negotiations.
Speaking to journalists, Lavrov confirmed that both presidents had agreed to continue talks. “There was a meeting in Istanbul, and a second round is being prepared,” he stated, adding that communication is ongoing via phone and video conference.
While cautious in his outlook, Lavrov acknowledged “some progress and a willingness on the part of our American partners to lift these completely unacceptable obstacles to the normal work of diplomats in both capitals.”
A History of Diplomatic Strains
Relations between the two nations have been strained by years of restrictions, including diplomatic personnel limits, banking constraints, and property seizures.
A significant flashpoint occurred in 2016 when then-President Barack Obama restricted Russian diplomats’ access to properties in New York and Maryland. Tensions further escalated under President Joe Biden, particularly after the 2022 Ukraine conflict, leading to additional diplomatic and economic restrictions, including airspace closures and flight suspensions.
Lavrov stressed that Russia had not initiated these measures but had responded “according to the principle of reciprocity, which no one has abolished” in diplomacy.
Trump Administration Seeks Reset in Relations
Since taking office in January, US President Donald Trump has shifted course, calling for a resolution to the Ukraine conflict and improved ties with Russia.
A series of high-level talks have followed, with a meeting in Riyadh on February 18 focusing on restoring embassy operations. A follow-up session in Istanbul on February 27 addressed diplomatic funding and Russia’s proposal to reinstate direct flights.
Last week, expert delegations from both nations convened in Saudi Arabia for 12 hours of negotiations, culminating in an agreement to revive the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Following the talks, Trump signaled that Washington could consider easing certain sanctions to advance the deal, which is viewed as a step toward resolving the Ukraine crisis.
With another round of talks on the horizon, diplomatic efforts between Moscow and Washington appear to be gaining traction, though major hurdles remain.
