In a rare moment of accord, both the United States and Russia described their latest discussions on diplomatic affairs as constructive and forward-moving. Meeting in Istanbul on Thursday, officials from both nations indicated steps were being taken to stabilize and restore the functions of their respective diplomatic missions.

Leading the U.S. side was Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Russia and Central Europe, Sonata Coulter, while Russia was represented by its newly appointed ambassador to Washington, Alexander Darchiev. The U.S. delegation reportedly spent about six hours within the Russian consulate in Istanbul—a continuation of earlier dialogue initiated in February amidst the broader geopolitical rift sparked by the Ukraine conflict.

Though Ukraine wasn’t a topic of discussion, the U.S. expressed ongoing frustration over Russia’s policy barring the hiring of local staff—an issue Washington considers a major hurdle in maintaining adequate embassy personnel in Moscow. The State Department emphasized the talks built on a “constructive approach” established in earlier meetings and reiterated the need to resolve staffing restrictions.

Russia's ambassador echoed a tone of progress, telling TASS that the atmosphere was positive and that the consultations helped move the needle on objectives laid out by both presidents. One point of shared interest: the mutual desire to restore direct flights between the two countries to facilitate business and diplomatic engagement.

The broader effort to reestablish normal diplomatic functions follows years of mounting grievances, mutual accusations of harassment, and frozen diplomatic assets. Both nations have voiced concern over challenges in staffing embassies, securing credentials, and conducting basic operations—such as paying diplomats and maintaining freedom of movement.

A notable outcome of Thursday’s meeting was an agreement in principle to stabilize diplomatic banking operations, which have been hampered by sanctions and policy restrictions.Officials also signaled plans for another round of talks to continue ironing out unresolved issues—including the fate of several Russian diplomatic properties in the U.S. that remain under restriction.

Despite persistent friction, the tone of the meeting suggested a cautious willingness on both sides to thaw some of the ice encasing U.S.-Russia diplomatic relations.