US and Russia Reestablish Diplomatic Relations, Discuss Ukraine War
Diplomatic relations between the United States and Russia have been reestablished, with initial talks occurring in Saudi Arabia after a hiatus of over three years. Further discussions are planned in a third, undisclosed country within two weeks, focusing on resolving the conflict in Ukraine. Prior to these talks, departmental directors from both nations will convene. These developments signal a renewed effort to engage in direct dialogue between the two countries.
The agenda for the upcoming meetings includes addressing contentious issues in U.S.-Russia relations and seeking a diplomatic resolution to the war in Ukraine. Russia has reiterated its long-standing demand for NATO to withdraw its forces from Eastern Europe, specifically from countries that joined the alliance after 1997. This demand, previously rejected by the Biden administration and NATO, remains a point of contention.
The U.S. mission to the United Nations has drafted a resolution marking the three-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine, omitting any attribution of blame. This approach contrasts with a draft resolution from other G7 nations that condemns Russian aggression, which the U.S. has declined to endorse. These diplomatic maneuvers occur amidst differing perspectives on the path to peace, with the previous Trump administration reportedly favoring direct negotiations.
The US and Russia are reestablishing diplomatic relations with talks planned in Saudi Arabia and another undisclosed country. This renewed dialogue occurs amidst differing perspectives on the path to peace, highlighting the complex diplomatic landscape surrounding the Ukraine war.
“[Russians'] expectations are that at some point the U.S. would convince their European partners to withdraw the NATO security zone to the level of 1997. So that we, those who joined the Alliance after 1997, would no longer benefit from these guarantees,”
Level of Diplomatic Meetings
ranked by level of diplomatic meetings
Source: U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Travel Records
Note: Data represents diplomatic activity from 1997-2024