President Vladimir Putin Optimistic About Strengthening and Restoring Diplomatic Relations Between Russia and the United States

President Vladimir Putin Optimistic About Strengthening and Restoring Diplomatic Relations Between Russia and the United States

Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that he is "optimistic" about the possibility of restoring relations between Russia and the United States. He made these remarks as representatives from Russia and the US met in Istanbul, Turkey, to discuss the restoration of their respective embassy operations.

In a meeting with the Federal Security Service Board in Moscow, Putin welcomed the new US administration and said that President Donald Trump's "pragmatism and realistic perspective" had made him optimistic, noting that he saw a "mutual attitude" that could be helpful in restoring relations. He further stated that such discussions would help resolve issues related to the "world’s security architecture."

Diplomatic relations between Russia and the US deteriorated last year after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with both countries expelling diplomats. However, under Trump's initiative, talks have recently begun aimed at restoring Russia-US relations.

The talks in Istanbul primarily focused on issues such as embassy staffing, visas, and diplomatic banking. A US State Department official clarified that the Ukraine war would not be on the agenda, and that the discussions would focus only on restoring diplomatic relations and other administrative matters.

Meanwhile, Trump has discussed the possibility of a peace agreement for Ukraine. He is moving forward with a new agreement with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which would recover American taxpayer funds and provide security against Russian aggression.