Istanbul: Russia and the US engaged in extensive expert-level talks in Istanbul aimed at addressing ongoing tensions and fostering confidence-building measures between the two nations. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova announced that the meeting took place at the US Consulate General's residence in Istanbul, lasting over six hours.

According to Anadolu Agency, the talks were part of a series of high-level bilateral contacts intended to resolve numerous issues in the Russia-US dialogue. Zakharova emphasized the significance of these consultations in potentially bringing both sides closer to overcoming differences and strengthening mutual trust. She described the meeting as the first in a series of expert consultations designed to address these challenges.

During the six-and-a-half-hour meeting, the Russian and US delegations discussed the operation of their respective embassies as part of efforts to normalize relations between the two countries. Despite the lengthy discussions, the Russian delegation departed the residence without issuing a formal statement.

This meeting followed an initial gathering of the two countries' delegations on February 18 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where bilateral relations and efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine were discussed. Meanwhile, preparations continue for a forthcoming meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which is expected to further address the issues at hand.