Russia Proposes Restoring Direct Air Links with U.S. Amid Diplomatic Talks
In a significant diplomatic development, Russia has proposed restoring direct air connections with the United States during recent consultations held in Istanbul, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.
The discussions, which took place on Thursday, focused on normalizing diplomatic operations between the two nations. Years of diplomatic tensions had led to multiple rounds of expulsions, significantly impacting the functionality of embassies in both countries.
Progress in Diplomatic Relations
The Russian Foreign Ministry described the talks as “substantive and businesslike,” highlighting agreements to facilitate the unimpeded financing of diplomatic missions and improve conditions for diplomats to carry out their official duties.
Additionally, Russia suggested the possibility of resuming direct air travel between the two nations. However, no specific details or timeframes were provided, and there was no immediate response from Washington on the proposal.
Background of Air Travel Restrictions
Direct flights between Russia and the U.S. were suspended as part of extensive sanctions imposed by the U.S. and its Western allies following Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
Broader Diplomatic Engagements
These discussions follow earlier negotiations between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as meetings between senior diplomats from both nations in Saudi Arabia earlier this month.
During those talks in Riyadh, both sides agreed to work towards ending the conflict in Ukraine while also improving diplomatic and economic relations. Restoring embassy staffing, which had been significantly reduced due to mutual diplomatic expulsions and office closures, was also a key agenda point.
According to the U.S. State Department, the recent Istanbul talks saw the U.S. delegation raising concerns over access to banking and contracted services, along with the need for stable staffing levels at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow.
Path Forward
Both nations identified concrete initial steps to stabilize bilateral diplomatic operations. The discussions were led by Sonata Coulter, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Russia and Central Europe, and Alexander Darchiyev, head of the North America department at the Russian Foreign Ministry.
A follow-up meeting is expected to take place soon to continue working on these issues, according to U.S. officials.
Putin’s Perspective
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday praised the Trump administration for its “pragmatism and realistic view,” contrasting it with what he described as the “stereotypes and ideological biases” of previous U.S. administrations.
“The initial contacts with the new U.S. administration inspire certain hopes,” Putin stated. “There is mutual willingness to restore relations and address a vast array of systemic strategic issues in global affairs.”
As diplomatic engagements continue, the potential restoration of direct air travel could serve as a symbol of improving relations between the two global powers.
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