Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov announced on January 25 that negotiations between the Russian Federation and the United States have made no progress regarding the return of Russian diplomatic property and the resumption of direct flights.
In an interview with TASS, Ryabkov described these issues as “irritants,” noting that there have been no changes in the status of diplomatic property or the resumption of direct flights. The deputy foreign minister stated that the lack of tangible results makes high-level meetings impractical and that organizing events which later prove fruitless is counterproductive. He also noted that the dialogue has been moved to a lower level for relevant experts to carry out preparatory work.
According to recent developments, the last U.S.-Russia discussion on these matters took place in April, with the next round potentially scheduled for October or November. Russian Ambassador to the United States Alexander Darchiev, speaking last November, reported that the U.S. State Department refuses to discuss the return of diplomatic property and the resumption of direct flights with Russia. He further indicated that access to confiscated Russian diplomatic assets remains blocked by American special services, and that Washington’s position on these issues is directly tied to the resumption of direct flights between the two countries.
Ryabkov later confirmed that there has been no progress in resuming flights between the nations, though he emphasized that the issue remains on the bilateral agenda. Additionally, he stated that Moscow and Washington maintain constant communication, with security issues occupying a central place in their bilateral discussions.
