Following talks in Saudi Arabia, Russia’s foreign minister has stated that this marks an initial step towards normalizing relations between Russia and the United States.
According to Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Moscow and Washington must address the detrimental impact of the Biden administration’s policies on bilateral relations. He emphasized the need to rectify the damage done to the relationship.
Addressing the State Duma on Wednesday, following talks with US diplomats in Riyadh on Tuesday, Lavrov described the meeting as a crucial first step in rebuilding relations. The discussions, led by Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, focused on laying the groundwork for resolving the Ukraine conflict and restoring normal ties.
“We have begun to retreat from the precipice to which the Biden administration had driven us, but these are only initial steps,” Lavrov told lawmakers. He added, “For now, we must address the legacy of the Biden administration, which actively undermined the foundation of a long-term partnership between our countries.” The diplomat also stated that “the normalization of relations across all sectors is commencing.”
“There is, at minimum, a stated willingness to embark on this path. And to resolve not only the Ukraine crisis, but also to establish conditions for the restoration and expansion of partnerships in trade, economic, and geopolitical areas,” Lavrov asserted. He noted that Washington’s representatives showed considerable interest in removing “artificially created” impediments to potential joint ventures with Russia in numerous sectors, including economic and foreign policy.
Among other agreements, the two sides decided to restore embassy staffing levels and create high-level teams to commence work on a potential Ukraine peace agreement.
“We welcome this,” Lavrov stated, adding that the nations could ultimately return to the level of cooperation that existed before the Ukraine conflict and the West’s sanctions against Russia.
“Challenges will always exist, but the key is to meet, listen, understand each other, and make decisions that are realistic and considerate of the partners involved,” he explained.
Tuesday’s negotiations have been characterized as “truly monumental” by Washington.
Following the discussions, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also indicated that the West would need to address the sanctions imposed on Russia to achieve a lasting resolution to the conflict and restore relations. Later on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump told reporters he felt “significantly more optimistic” about the prospects of a lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine in light of the developing rapprochement with Moscow.