Russia sees hope for dialogue with US following Riyadh talks, top diplomat says

Russia intends to continue contacts with the US, as negotiations in Riyadh have provided hope for a normal dialogue with the American side.

According to Turkish media reports, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made this announcement during a press conference following talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Ankara, Caliber.Az reports.

"We have thoroughly informed our Turkish friends about the Russia-US negotiations that took place on February 18 in Riyadh. These talks have been positively assessed, as they have finally opened up the possibility of having a normal dialogue, despite the numerous contradictions that, of course, still remain," Lavrov said.

According to the minister, "we will continue contacts with our American partners, as there is an agreement to do so."

He also noted that Moscow and Washington will hold full-scale consultations this week on normalizing the work of their embassies, following two rounds of technical discussions.

Speaking about Russia-Türkiye relations, Lavrov emphasized that despite the tense international situation, both sides maintain contact on all key issues. He added that the presidents of the two countries also engage in regular discussions.

Lavrov stated that Russia will halt military actions in Ukraine only when it achieves a satisfactory outcome in negotiations.

He also stressed that resolving the conflict requires addressing its root causes.

According to Lavrov, the West, aiming to weaken Russia, blocked the implementation of the peace agreement text that had been agreed upon by Russia and Ukraine during negotiations in Istanbul in 2022. He claimed that the draft settlement agreement was at its final stage when then-UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson intervened and prevented its adoption.

Lavrov noted that the Istanbul agreements could serve as a basis for resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict. On February 23, US Presidential Envoy Stephen Witkoff voiced a similar idea. Lavrov said he was unaware of Whitcoff’s statements on the matter but reiterated that Russia has repeatedly proposed such an approach.

Commenting on the US position regarding Syria, Lavrov accused Washington of establishing a so-called state in the north of the country, allegedly aimed at supporting separatists.

By Tamilla Hasanova