Related videos:
The governments of the United States and Russia have agreed to restore the staff of their embassies, marking a significant step towards normalizing their diplomatic relations. This is an unprecedented event since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The meeting, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, and Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, also discussed the conflict in Ukraine and possible paths toward its resolution.
Reopening of embassies: A first step towards détente
One of the main agreements reached at the summit was the restoration of diplomatic staff at the embassies of both countries.
"We agreed to establish a consultation mechanism to address the irritating aspects of our bilateral relationship, with the aim of taking the necessary measures to normalize the functioning of our respective diplomatic missions," says the statement from the State Department.
"Designate respective high-level teams to begin working on a path that allows for a lasting, sustainable, and acceptable resolution to the conflict in Ukraine as soon as possible," he adds.
Since the escalation of tensions in 2022, the diplomatic missions of Washington and Moscow have operated with minimal resources, hindering communication and cooperation between the two powers.
"We will need to have vibrant diplomatic missions that can operate normally to continue with these channels," Rubio stated after the meeting, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy as a tool for stabilizing bilateral relations.
For her part, the spokesperson for the State Department, Tammy Bruce, emphasized that the reopening of embassies is a key step in rebuilding the relationship between the two nations.
"The foundations have been laid for future cooperation on matters of mutual geopolitical interest, as well as for historic economic opportunities and investments," Bruce added.
Negotiations on Ukraine: Conversations at the right time
While the main focus of the meeting was the reactivation of diplomatic presence, the war in Ukraine was also discussed.
According to Rubio, the Donald Trump administration seeks a "fair and lasting" solution to the conflict, although formal discussions about the war will take place "in due time."
In this regard, Yuri Ushakov, diplomatic advisor to the Kremlin, confirmed that both parties agreed to form separate negotiating teams to address the Ukrainian crisis.
Nevertheless, he warned that it is "premature" to talk about an immediate rapprochement between Moscow and Washington on this matter.
The absence of Ukrainian representatives in the talks has raised concerns in Kyiv and among European allies, who fear being sidelined in the decision-making regarding the future of the conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the meeting, stating that "negotiations are being held about Ukraine without Ukraine's presence."
Sanctions and the possible Trump-Putin summit
Another key point discussed in the meeting was the possibility of reducing the sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.
Lavrov suggested that Washington would be interested in easing economic restrictions, while Rubio emphasized that any decision in this regard must be coordinated with the European Union.
The possibility of a meeting between President Trump and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, was also discussed. However, Ushakov clarified that a date for this meeting has not yet been set.
The meeting took place at the Diriyah Palace in Riyadh at the initiative of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, solidifying Saudi Arabia's role as a globally significant diplomatic mediator.
The kingdom, which has maintained relations with both Washington and Moscow, has played a key role in previous negotiations, including prisoner exchange agreements and diplomatic forums regarding the Ukrainian crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Agreement between the U.S. and Russia to Normalize Diplomatic Relations and Address the Conflict in Ukraine
What is the main agreement reached between the U.S. and Russia in the recent talks?
The main agreement is the restoration of diplomatic staff at the embassies of both countries, marking a significant step towards normalizing their diplomatic relations. This agreement is historic, as such an approach had not been seen since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
What measures have been taken to address the conflict in Ukraine?
High-level teams have been appointed to work on a sustainable and lasting solution to the conflict in Ukraine. In addition, a consultation mechanism has been established to address the contentious aspects of the bilateral relationship, thus laying the groundwork for future peace talks.
Why was Ukraine not included in the negotiations between the U.S. and Russia?
Although it has not been officially specified, the exclusion of Ukraine has generated concern and indignation in Kyiv. The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, has criticized the negotiations for not including his country, emphasizing that any agreement regarding Ukraine should involve Ukraine and its European allies.
What role has Saudi Arabia played in the negotiations between the U.S. and Russia?
Saudi Arabia has acted as a globally relevant diplomatic mediator, facilitating discussions by organizing the meeting in Riyadh. This role is part of a broader effort by the Kingdom to mediate in international conflicts, as seen in prisoner exchange agreements and previous diplomatic forums.
Filed under:
