Russia and the US Set to Designate Ambassadors and Form Negotiation Teams to Resolve Ukraine Conflict

Synopsis

On February 18, it was announced that Russia and the US will soon establish teams to negotiate an end to the Ukraine war and expedite the appointment of ambassadors in both capitals. Regular consultations will be held to address barriers to diplomatic relations.

Key Takeaways

Russia and the US will form negotiating teams for Ukraine.
Ambassador appointments in both countries are a priority.
Regular consultations will facilitate diplomatic relations.
Barriers to embassy operations will be addressed.
Senior diplomats will seek systematic solutions to challenges.

Riyadh/Moscow, Feb 18 (NationPress) Russia and the United States are set to announce negotiating teams aimed at finding a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as well as ensuring the swift appointment of ambassadors in both Moscow and Washington.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated during a press briefing after discussions with US officials in Riyadh that regular consultations on Ukraine will commence once both nations establish their negotiating teams.

A meeting of deputy foreign ministers will be organized shortly to overcome obstacles affecting embassy operations, Lavrov mentioned after his discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and US special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff.

Representatives from the Russian side included prominent political, intelligence, and economic figures, such as Yuri Ushakov, the Kremlin's foreign affairs advisor.

Lavrov emphasized that the most urgent task is to facilitate the rapid appointment of Russian ambassadors to the US and US ambassadors to Russia, addressing longstanding challenges that have complicated diplomatic operations, particularly under the administration of former US President Joe Biden.

He remarked that the deputy heads of the diplomatic missions from both countries will soon convene to discuss the necessity of dismantling these artificial barriers impacting the operations of embassies and foreign institutions.

In these discussions, senior diplomats are expected to focus on systematic solutions rather than just individual instances of challenges, aiming to eliminate disruptions that have hindered normal relations.

Russian officials highlighted several issues stemming from the previous US administration, including the frequent expulsion of diplomats, ongoing issues with the seizure of Russian properties, and various other complications.

Lavrov also pointed out that bank transfers have faced restrictions, further complicating diplomatic relations.

In the meantime, Yuri Ushakov, foreign affairs advisor to President Vladimir Putin, indicated that the specific date for a meeting between the leaders of Russia and the US is still pending.