Moscow: Russia announced on Monday that the United States has pulled out of the next scheduled round of bilateral diplomatic consultations, marking a setback in efforts by Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump to reset strained ties between the two nations.
In a statement, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said the talks—meant to ease long-standing tensions and restore the normal functioning of diplomatic missions—were cancelled by Washington. She did not disclose whether a reason was given for the abrupt pause.
“These consultations, aimed at resolving so-called ‘irritants’ in the relationship, have been postponed at the initiative of the American side,” Zakharova said. “We hope this interruption will not be prolonged.”
The decision comes just a week after Russian officials said the discussions were set to transition from Istanbul to Moscow, signaling a potential deepening of engagement. However, the Kremlin recently acknowledged significant hurdles remain in the relationship, warning that progress would not be swift.
U.S.-Russia ties have remained fraught, with the Kremlin characterizing relations under former President Joe Biden as “below zero” due to U.S. military support for Ukraine and sweeping sanctions against Moscow.
Despite frequent communication—Putin and Trump have held five phone conversations this year, the latest on Saturday—Trump has publicly expressed dissatisfaction with Russia’s ongoing military campaign in Ukraine and the lack of meaningful steps toward peace.
While both sides have highlighted the economic potential of improved relations, Monday’s development underscores the fragile and unpredictable nature of current U.S.-Russia diplomacy.
