Russia, US wrap up embassy work talks in Istanbul updated

The discussions between the Russian and US delegations regarding embassy operations in Istanbul have concluded.

The Russian media reported that the meeting lasted for 6.5 hours, but no comments were made to the press following its conclusion.

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Negotiations between Russian and US delegations over the functioning of their embassies are ongoing in Istanbul, with no clear indication of when they will conclude.

According to employees at the residence of the US consul general in Istanbul, where the discussions are taking place, the talks are expected to continue for several hours, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

However, they emphasized that the exact duration remains uncertain.

“The talks will go on for several hours. The exact time of the end of the meeting is unknown,” said staff members of the residence.

In addition to the formal discussions, a working lunch was also scheduled as part of the diplomatic engagement. Observers noted the presence of catering staff entering the residence, indicating that meals were being arranged for the delegations.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov previously stated that the talks include “high-level diplomats, experts,” and are being conducted behind closed doors. No official timeline has been provided regarding the length of the meeting.

Both Russian and US representatives have clarified that the discussions in Istanbul are strictly focused on issues related to the operations of their respective diplomatic missions. They have explicitly ruled out any negotiations on the ongoing Ukraine conflict or broader political and security matters.

The diplomatic engagement follows a phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump on February 12, as well as a high-level diplomatic meeting between US and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia on February 18.

Just over five weeks into his presidency, Trump has markedly shifted the US approach toward Russia compared to his predecessor, Joe Biden, who had sought to isolate and penalize Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine. Kyiv and its European allies have expressed concern that Trump’s push for a swift resolution to the conflict could result in a deal with Moscow that excludes Ukraine and jeopardizes its security.

Following the February 18 US-Russia meeting, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that both countries had reached an agreement to restore embassy staffing levels. Shortly afterwards, Putin confirmed that Moscow and Washington had agreed to “resume the normal operation” of their diplomatic missions.

By Tamilla Hasanova