Kremlin Expresses Frustration Over Stalled U.S.-Russia Diplomatic Efforts

On Tuesday, the Kremlin announced that discussions with the United States aimed at restoring bilateral relations, which include efforts to resume regular embassy operations, have reached a standstill.

«The normalization process of our relations with the U.S. is currently stagnant,» stated Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov during a press briefing. «We are hoping for more progress in these discussions, as that is our interest.»

Peskov implied that the U.S. has not been sufficiently proactive, emphasizing that such negotiations require “initiative from both parties.”

His comments followed remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who expressed his disappointment with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump accused Putin of engaging in “pleasant and respectful discussions” while simultaneously “launching rockets” at Ukrainian cities. He issued a warning about potential new sanctions and mentioned that secondary tariffs could be applied if Russia does not reach a peace agreement with Ukraine within the next 10 to 12 days.

Peskov acknowledged that the Kremlin was aware of Trump’s latest ultimatum but refrained from commenting on the possibility of new sanctions. He reiterated that the military operations in Ukraine would persist despite warnings from Washington.

High-ranking Russian officials have previously criticized the White House for its sluggish approach to reinstating diplomatic relations, particularly concerning longstanding issues related to embassies and consular access.

Moscow is demanding the return of six diplomatic properties that the U.S. confiscated between 2016 and 2018 as a reaction to Russian interference in elections. Additionally, it has sought “more definitive answers” regarding its proposal to restore direct flights between Russia and the U.S.

According to Kremlin sources, U.S. officials have linked the reinstatement of flights to advancements toward a ceasefire in Ukraine. So far, Putin has dismissed Trump’s attempts to facilitate a truce.

Russia initially brought up the subject of resuming air travel during discussions held in Istanbul on February 27, coinciding with the incoming Trump administration’s desire to de-escalate tensions with Russia. A follow-up meeting occurred on April 10.

Earlier in February, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged in the first direct discussions between high-ranking diplomats from both nations since Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022.