In a high-stakes move to mend strained ties, U.S. and Russian officials wrapped up their second round of talks in Istanbul this week, reporting “progress” on restoring practical operations for their diplomatic missions. The discussions, led by U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary Sonata Coulter and Russia’s Ambassador Alexander Darchiev, focused on easing bureaucratic hurdles—and some wins are already on the table.
Banking, Visas, and Real Estate: Key Wins
Both sides agreed to ensure smoother banking services for embassies and promised to return six Russian-owned diplomatic properties confiscated by the U.S. A “roadmap” for these handovers is now in the works. Visa rules for embassy staff could also get simpler, while Russia pushed to restart direct flights—a major ask since travel links were cut post-2022.
But… Not All Issues Resolved
The U.S. side still raised concerns about Russia’s ban on hiring local embassy staff, calling it a hurdle for day-to-day operations. Meanwhile, both nations stressed that Ukraine was not on the agenda, a reminder of how sensitive the talks remain.
What’s Next?
With a third round of talks pending, the world is watching to see if these baby steps can rebuild trust between the two superpowers. Stay tuned!
The discussions, led by U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary Sonata Coulter and Russia’s Ambassador Alexander Darchiev, focused on easing bureaucratic hurdles—and some wins are already on the table. 
Visa rules for embassy staff could also get simpler, while Russia pushed to restart direct flights—a major ask since travel links were cut post-2022.
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