18 Feb, 2025 19:19 Good Synopsis

Rebuilding ties, finding common ground, Ukraine peace negotiations: key takeaways from Russia-US talks in Riyadh 1/3

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has described the meeting with the US delegation as “useful” as both sides look to re-establish contacts

Russia and the US have taken the first steps towards normalizing relations after an impasse which lasted years under the Joe Biden administration.

Delegations from Moscow and Washington met on Tuesday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to discuss the restoration of diplomatic ties, future Ukraine peace talks, and an upcoming summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his American counterpart Donald Trump.

The Russian team included Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, presidential aide Yury Ushakov, and Russian Direct Investment Fund CEO Kirill Dmitriev. Representing the United States were Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and special envoy Ambassador Steve Witkoff.

Here’s what the sides said following the meeting,which lasted nearly 4.5 hours:

Russia and the US will work to restore diplomatic missions

According to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, the talkswere useful and both delegations worked “quite successfully” on improving relations.

One of the first steps agreed upon during the meeting, he explained, is toonce and for all solve the issue of diplomatic missions, given that both countries had exchanged a number of diplomatic expulsions during the Biden administration, resulting in a breakdown of communications between Moscow and Washington.

As part of this,Moscow and Washington have committed to appoint ambassadors to each other’s countriesas soon as possible and remove the “artificial barriers” that had been built by the Biden administration to “seriously complicate” the work of Russia’s diplomatic missions and hinder the development of normal relations, Lavrov said.

The deputy heads of the diplomatic departments of the two countries will soonmeet to put an end to these issues, among which Lavrov listed theseizure of Russian real estate in the US and therestrictions on bank transfersfor the Russian side.

The US has started to listen to Russia

The Russian and American delegations “not only listened, but also heard each other” during the talks, Lavrov said. The US has begun to better understand Russia's position, which Moscow has repeatedly outlined over the years, he added.

The minister admitted that it does not mean that the national interests of the two countries would no longer be in conflict, but it is important that the two sides are working to establish a dialogue.

Lavrov said that Russia and the US have expressed an interest in resuming consultations on resolving geopolitical issues and removing barriers to economic cooperation,noting that the American side has demonstrated a “determination” to “move forward” in bilateral relations.

https://www.rt.com/news/612974-russia-us-talks-recap/

>>22607756

2/3

Russia’s position on Ukraine and NATO

The Russian side reiterated its position on the Ukraine conflict, primarily the fact that Kiev’s absorption into NATO would represent a direct threat to Moscow, Lavrov said at a press conference after the talks.

He also stressed that the deployment of troops from NATO states to Ukraine, whether under the European Union flag or national flags, would also be unacceptable for Russia.

TheRussian side expressed its appreciation to Trump for becoming the first major Western leader to acknowledge that Ukraine’s NATO ambitionshad been one of the primary catalysts for the conflict, Lavrov added.

Moscow and Washington have agreed to respect each other’s interests

Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov said thatthe delegations held a “very serious conversation on all issues” that the sides wanted to address. However, he noted that it’s difficult to say whether the positions of the two countries have grown closer.

At the same time, he noted that Russia and the US have agreed to “take each other’s interests into account” while also advancing bilateral relations.

Russia and US will discuss the Ukraine conflict

Ushakov noted that while the US and Russia have outlined their positions on the Ukraine conflict, it will be up to the “teams of negotiators”from both states to make progress on this issue “in due course.”

“The Americans should appoint their representatives, we will appoint ours, and then, probably, the work will get underway,” Ushakov said.

Relations could improve in a matter of months

RDIF chief Kirill Dmitriev said thatthe delegations had communicated “with respect”and on equal terms, going on to suggest that the two sides could makesignificant progress in talks in a matter of two or three months.

He admitted it’s too early to talk about any compromises, but themeeting has laid “important grounds” for dialogue. The officials underscored the need for cooperation and economic opportunities that could contribute to both nations.

“We need to pursue joint projects, including, for example, in the Arctic and other areas,” he said.

Putin-Trump summit date still unclear

Following Tuesday’s talks, Ushakov noted that it is still difficult to name a specific date for the high-level summit, stating that it is “unlikely” that it will take place next week as had been previously suggested in the media.

https://www.rt.com/news/612974-russia-us-talks-recap/

>>22607779

3/3

US agrees to normalize relations with Russia

The US State Department announced after the talks that Marco Rubio and histeam had agreed with the Russian delegation to create a “consultation mechanism” to address the irritants in bilateral relations and normalize the operations of the two countries’ diplomatic missions.

As part of this, Rubio has announced that Russia and the US had agreed to restore the previous number of diplomatic personnel at their respective embassies in Moscow and Washington following years of tit-for-tat diplomatic cuts.

Moscow and Washington will also need to examine the future geopolitical and economic cooperation that will come after the Ukraine conflict is resolved, Rubio said.

Special team to work on Ukraine solution

Washington also announced that Russia and the US haveagreed to appoint high-level teamsthat would work on finding a path towards resolving the Ukraine conflict as soon as possible and to ensure a sustainable peace that is acceptable to all sides.

State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce stressed that “one phone call followed by one meeting” was not enough to establish an enduring peace.She stated that while Tuesday’s meeting was an “important step forward,” more still needs to be done.

(It’s a big deal for Russia to actually be listened to with respect, which they received from the US delegates, and likewise the US was listened to with respect. I’ve never heard Lavrov sound almost positive about a meeting with US. Which I don’t think Russia has had this opportunity to lay everything out on the table before.)

https://www.rt.com/news/612974-russia-us-talks-recap/

18 Feb, 2025 16:33

‘Not easy, but possible’ – expert on restoring US-Russia economic ties

The Russian market is “interesting, large, and promising” for American companies, Igbal Guliyev has told RT

The re-entry of American companies to the Russian market will be challenging, but it remains feasible, analyst Igbal Guliyev has told RT.

This follows talks on Tuesday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where senior Russian and American diplomats met to explore avenues for restoring diplomatic ties, setting up a summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart, Donald Trump, and advancing solutions regarding the Ukraine conflict.

According to the State Department, the sides agreed “to lay the groundwork for future cooperation on matters of mutual geopolitical interest and historic economic and investment opportunities, which will emerge from a successful end to the conflict in Ukraine.”

Guliyev, the deputy director of the International Institute of Energy Policy and Diplomacy at MGIMO University, commented on the potential for restoring economic ties between the US and Russia.He noted that the interaction between American and Russian companies was “quite successful” in the past.

“For American companies, the Russian market is quite interesting, large, and promising,” he told RT. He went on to say they possess advanced technologies, particularly in offshore drilling, which could be beneficial for joint ventures in areas such as the Arctic.

“On the other hand, we should not forget about a very important, tasty morsel from the point of view of American companies – oil services.A return or partial return to this market, where they will be competing with local companies and local companies with foreign participation,will not be so simple, but it is all possible,” he said.

Guliev also pointed out that while former President Joe Biden “was more in favor of the green energy agenda,” Trump has advocated for increased fossil fuel production, using “drill, baby drill” as a slogan for his election campaign. He suggested that under Trump’s policies, there might be less pressure on Russia’s oil sector, as limiting Russian oil could lead to reduced global supply and higher prices, affecting consumers worldwide, and to some extent, Americans.

I think there will be no additional sanctions against Russian oil tankers. There will be some, maybe, if there are some pinpoint strikes on individual tankers, but this will not happen en masse,” he added.

Ahead of the gathering in Riyadh, Kirill Dmitriev, the CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and a member of Moscow’s delegation, estimated that US companies have incurred losses exceeding $300 billion due to their exit from the Russian market.

(https://www.rt.com/russia/612968-us-russia-economic-ties/

(I’ve never seen so many uplifting article on RT than today. The tide has changed and it’s important that both sides keep their promises. Working and being friends of Russia and America, was Trump’s goal in the first term. The DS prevented that at every turn and worse. But now it will be accomplished, sure they will try but this is Trump 2.0, and there’s no stopping him. The EU, NATO and Europe hate it, but all their plans to cancel and even destroy Russia failed, now they are trying to cover up their crimes, not only on Russia, but their crimes against the US. All will be revealed.)

Could you even imagine one phone call from PDJT to President Putin could generate so much activity of friendship and diplomacy with Russia, less than a month ago?

(Even Medvedev is complimentary towards Trump and his actions)

18 Feb, 2025 19:50

Zelensky needs to be ‘brought to his senses’ – Lavrov

Kiev has attacked internationally operated energy infrastructure in “latest tantrum”, according to Russia’s top diplomat

Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky needs to be “brought to his senses”and reprimanded in response to Kiev’s recent attack on a pumping stationlinked to a major international oil pipeline, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated on Tuesday.

In the early hours of Monday, several Ukrainian drones attacked the Kropotkinskaya station in southern Russia, a major part of the energy infrastructure object operated by the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC).

Most of the crude pumped by the conglomerate’s pipeline system comes from oil fields in West Kazakhstan,with US companies controlling around 40% of supplies shipped from the facility.

This “latest tantrum” was essentially “an attack on Kazakhstan's energy infrastructure,” Lavrov said during a press briefing following bilateral talks with the US diplomatic delegation in Riyadh. One can only guess why “someone in Kiev” gave the order, he added.

“But this should only strengthen everyone's resolve that this cannot continue,” the diplomat stressed.

“Zelensky and his whole team need to be brought to their senses, given a slap on the wrist.”

According to Lavrov, US diplomats suggested putting a “moratorium” on strikes on energy infrastructure during Tuesday’s bilateral talks.

We explained that we never jeopardized the systems which supply power for the population,” he said,adding that Russia only targeted “those objects that directly serve the Armed Forces of Ukraine.”

The diplomat praised the “highly productive”talkswith the US side. “Not only did we listen,but we genuinely heard each other,” he said.

When asked by a journalist about attempts to “torpedo” the reestablished diplomatic contact between Moscow and Washington, Lavrov noted that to prevent this,relations need to be fine-tuned.

“That is what we did today. Frankly, not without success,” he said.

On top of agreeing to reestablish diplomatic ties, Russia and the US have agreed to build a framework towards reaching a settlement in the Ukraine conflict through negotiations, Lavrov said.

https://www.rt.com/russia/612977-zelensky-brought-to-senses-lavrov/

The trust has been established but must be stronger, but both sides understand how important this is for Peace.

(EU doubling down on DumbrovskisThe silly thing about more sanctions, they have proven to only hurt Europe, multiple times!)

18 Feb, 2025 12:47

EU to uphold Russia sanctions regardless of US – commissioner

The bloc is working on the next package of restrictions, Valdis Dombrovskis has said

The EU has no plans to lift sanctions against Russia even if the US decides to do so, and is working on the next raft of measures, EU Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis has said.

The bloc has proposed a 16th round of sanctions on Russia to be imposed next week for the third anniversary of the start of the Russian military operation against Ukraine on February 24. Along with the US, the EU has slapped numerous rounds of sanctions on Russia since 2022 in a bid to isolate the country, cutting it off from the Western financial system and freezing its foreign reserves.

Asked if the EU would lift its sanctions on Russia if the US eases its restrictions in exchange for a potential ceasefire in Ukraine, Dombrovskis stated thatBrussels would pursue an independent sanctions policy.

“It’s very clear with the moves of the current Trump administration that the EU will have to take issues related to the EU’s security more in its own hands. It also concerns the sanctions policy as you know the work continues on preparing the 16th package,” the commissioner said.

Last month, the EU extended its existing sanctions against Russia until the end of July. The restrictionsalready target a broad rangeof sectors and include trade embargoes, travel bans, and individual sanctions against Russian businessmen and public officials.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said in an interview with Franceinfo on Tuesday that theEU’s upcoming batch of measures will primarily target Russia’s energy sector.

Barrot claimed the new package aimsto “force [Russian President] Vladimir Putin to sit down at the negotiating table(yes they are that stupid),” adding that the EU will continue to “raise the cost of the war” for Moscow. The sanctions will also target countries that facilitate bypassing the restrictions, the minister said. (The EU failed with their stupid war and sanctions against Russia to bring Putin to his knees and now they are pissed Trump will accomplish it with talk. They are jealous little tyrants, they must destroy their enemy, that’s their diplomacy. The better not interfere with Trump’s plan, they will regret it.)

Earlier this year, Hungarian Prime Minister ViktorOrban renewed calls on the EU to lift its sanctions on Russiain order to align the bloc’s policies with the new US government. Budapest has long criticized Brussels’ approach to the Ukraine conflict as being incapable of ending hostilities and damaging to the bloc’s member states.

Last week, Orban predicted that Russia will be “reintegrated” into the world economy and the European energy system once the Ukraine conflict ends.

Moscow has condemned Western sanctions as illegal, repeatedly arguing that they have failed to destabilize Russia’s economy or isolate it from the global financial system.

https://www.rt.com/news/612916-eu-uphold-us-sanctions/

(Boycott EU’s goods and services until they allow Trump to finalize peace. This action seems to be defiance and hatred of Trump.)