Russia, US to hold 2nd normalization talks in Istanbul

Russia announced Tuesday that a second meeting with the U.S. aimed at normalizing relations is scheduled to be held in Istanbul.

Speaking at a press briefing in Moscow, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov did not give an exact date for the meeting but pointed to President Vladimir Putin, who asked him and Defense Minister Andrey Belousov for a briefing on the progress in talks with the U.S on the Ukraine issue.

Lavrov stressed that Russia and the US are currently focused on three topics: finding a solution to the conflict in Ukraine – now dealing with a moratorium on strikes targeting energy infrastructure – plus restoration of the Black Sea Grain Initiative and the removal of “irritants” in bilateral ties.

According to Lavrov, these “irritants” significantly impede the functioning of the Russian Embassy in Washington and the U.S. Embassy in Moscow.

“A meeting took place in Istanbul, and now a second meeting is being prepared. In the meantime, communication continues through phone calls and video conferences,” he said.

Lavrov highlighted that the “embassy issues” date back to the Barack Obama administration of 2009-2017, directly before the first term of the Trump administration.

“I refrain from making predictions, noticeable progress has been achieved, reflecting the determination of our American partners to eliminate these wholly unacceptable impediments to the smooth operation of diplomacy in each other’s capitals,” he said.

On Feb. 27, Russian and U.S. delegations met at the residence of the U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul to discuss the operations of their respective embassies as part of bilateral efforts.