Russian envoy shares details of Trump meeting
Russia's new ambassador to the United States, Alexander Darchiev, said he held a brief but 'very constructive' meeting with President Donald Trump on Wednesday, after formally presenting his credentials at the White House.
Trump held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on June 4 – their fourth conversation since Trump returned to the White House.
'We agreed on the need to restore ties in accordance with the instructions issued by Presidents Putin and Trump during their phone conversation,' Darchiev told RIA Novosti at the Russian Embassy following the meeting.
'I assured the president that, in line with the directives I received, I will do everything possible to help restore Russian-US relations and return them to a state of normalcy and common sense,' he added.
'A window of opportunity has opened to rebuild relations on the basis of mutual trust and equality,' the envoy said. 'Russia and the United States are destined, as great powers, to have a non-confrontational and peaceful coexistence.'Darchiev noted that the two sides are discussing business initiatives and the resumption of direct flights. He earlier told TASS that the embassy would work toward lifting what he called 'absurd' restrictions on Russian diplomatic activity in the US, as well as simplifying visa procedures.
Under former President Joe Biden, the US severed nearly all direct contact with Russia in 2022 over the conflict in Ukraine and imposed sweeping sanctions on Russian officials and businesses. Trump has criticized his predecessor for sidelining diplomacy and pledged to broker a peace deal between Moscow and Kiev.
While Moscow has praised Trump and his team for their shift in rhetoric and willingness to engage, no breakthrough has been achieved. Trump has threatened to impose additional measures on Russia if a ceasefire is not reached, but he has not endorsed the sanctions bill currently under consideration in the Senate.
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