Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov announced on January 25 that negotiations between the Russian Federation and the United States have made no progress on the return of Russian diplomatic property and the resumption of direct flights.
“These are the irritants,” Ryabkov stated, noting that there were no changes regarding flight restoration. He explained that the lack of results renders high-level meetings impractical and that organizing events ultimately proving fruitless is counterproductive.
Ryabkov also revealed that the dialogue has been moved to a lower level to allow relevant experts to conduct preparatory work. The next round of talks on these issues, last held in April, is expected to take place in October or November.
Russian Ambassador to the United States Alexander Darchiev stated last November that the U.S. State Department refuses to discuss the resumption of direct flights with Russia and the return of diplomatic property. He added that access to confiscated Russian diplomatic property remains blocked by American special services, a situation he linked directly to the unresolved issue of restoring air travel between the two nations.
Ryabkov reiterated there has been no progress on flight resumptions but emphasized this matter remains on the agenda. He also noted that Moscow and Washington maintain constant communication, with security issues occupying central prominence in their bilateral discussions.
