NEWSBREAK: TURKEY – The second round of Russia-US talks in Istanbul are taking place today Thursday, April 10. These talks are in a series of consultations on the normalization of relations between Russia and the US.
Location of the Russia-US Talks
The first round was held in the US consulate, but the talks being held today are being hosted by the Russian consulate in Istanbul.
The meeting has already started.
Representing both nations are Sonata Coulter, the current Deputy Assistant Secretary of State overseeing policy toward Russia and Central Europe, and Alexander Darchiev who’s the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the US.
Accompanying the two representatives are members of foreign affairs agencies of the two countries.
What’s on the Table
The relationship between Russia and the US has been sour for some time, and made worse after Russia’s full-scale military operation in Ukraine where diplomatic ties were broken.
Recently after the second-term of Donald Trump as the US president, he has expressed his intention of re-establishing diplomatic relations between the two nations and have a permanent ceasefire on the Ukraine conflict.
Among what’s on the table were first touched upon during the February meeting which was held in Saudi Arabia which include but not limited to:
- Continued dialogue between the two nations.
- Restoration of relations between Moscow and Washington.
- Elimination of all hurdles to finally settle the Ukraine conflict – Ukraine conflict itself not part of the talks.
Progress of the Talks
- The meeting started at 07:00 GMT.
- Proceeding constructively and with calm.