Deputy FM: Patience key as Moscow seeks progress with Washington

Russia is maintaining patience in its dialogue with Washington, despite what it sees as contradictory actions from the United States, according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov.

Speaking at a press conference, Ryabkov noted, “Despite the support declared by the current U.S. administration for restoring dialogue with Russia, as well as the seemingly adopted course toward normalising Russian-American relations, [Washington’s] actions — and we judge by them — are rather contradictory.”

The deputy minister highlighted that no progress has yet been made on key priorities, such as the resumption of direct air services and the return of Russian diplomatic properties.

“Unfortunately, there are still no real shifts on issues that are priorities for us, namely the return of illegally confiscated Russian diplomatic properties in the United States and the resumption of direct air connections between our countries,” Ryabkov said.

He emphasised that Russia is exercising due patience in dealings with the U.S. “We understand that not everything is simple, including in terms of the U.S. domestic agenda. We also understand that the situation is truly unprecedented, and on our side, we are showing proper patience,” he added.

Ryabkov also stated that Russia remains ready to continue dialogue with the United States on all issues of mutual interest. “We know that American business is sending fairly clear signals that it would like to return to our market,” he said. “Of course, we will consider each case individually, but only on an equal and mutually beneficial basis, taking into account the interests of our business community.”

He further stressed the potential for economic cooperation. “Economic interaction with the United States has good prospects,” Ryabkov noted, adding, “There are plenty of unresolved issues in our interaction and dialogue with Washington, but we are ready to continue it across the entire bilateral agenda, with the understanding that it will be built strictly on the basis of Russian interests.”

By Tamilla Hasanova