In a significant diplomatic overture, Russian President Vladimir Putin commended the administration of US President Donald Trump for its "pragmatism and realistic view" amidst efforts to mend strained relations between the two superpowers. Representatives from both nations convened in Turkiye's commercial hub for over six hours of discussions centered on resolving long-standing embassy issues. These talks marked a pivotal step toward addressing the tit-for-tat measures that have resulted in the reciprocal expulsion of diplomats and restrictions on new appointments.
The primary focus of these discussions revolved around staffing levels, visa procedures, and diplomatic banking. A US State Department official confirmed that Ukraine was not on the agenda. Instead, the meeting prioritized logistical concerns related to embassy operations. Meanwhile, Trump reiterated his reluctance to provide security guarantees to Kyiv, emphasizing that a minerals deal would serve as a "backstop" against potential future Russian aggression. He expressed confidence in the durability of any agreement reached, stating, "I have confidence that if we make a deal, it’s gonna hold."
Further solidifying this shift in diplomatic posture, Trump held a phone conversation with Putin earlier this month as part of a larger outreach initiative. The diplomatic dialogue gained momentum as Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met in Saudi Arabia, agreeing to initiate discussions on the three-year Ukraine conflict—a key point of contention that has strained relations.
Despite these promising developments, the talks in Saudi Arabia notably excluded Kyiv. Ties between Moscow and Washington had deteriorated to their lowest point since the Cold War following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Under then-US President Joe Biden, the US administration staunchly supported Ukraine with aid and weapons while imposing sanctions on Russia.
Hopes remain high for a transformative minerals agreement that could reshape US-Ukraine relations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is anticipated to sign an accord granting the US access to deposits of rare earth minerals. Trump described this deal as a mechanism to reclaim taxpayer dollars provided as aid to Ukraine during the conflict. He asserted, "I don’t think anybody’s going to play around if we’re there with a lot of workers and having to do with rare earths and other things, which we need for our country."
Putin expressed optimism regarding the potential restoration of US-Russia relations. The significance of these talks is underscored by the historical context of deteriorating ties following Russia's actions in Ukraine. The current administration's pragmatic approach suggests a possible turning point in the bilateral relationship.
