Russia appoints ambassador to the US for the first time in years: A step toward normalization from the Kremlin

Compiled by: Suat TEKİN - 12punto.com.tr

It has been noted that Russia has reappointed an ambassador to Washington. In a statement issued by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was stated that an agreement had been reached to 'normalize' diplomatic relations between the two countries.

It was announced that the person appointed as ambassador to Washington is Alexander Darchiyev. Darchiyev led the Russian delegation during the meeting between the US and Russia in Istanbul.

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in its statement that mutual steps had been agreed upon to ensure the smooth financing of embassies. Furthermore, it was stated that a consensus had been reached on providing appropriate conditions for diplomats to carry out their duties.

Shortly after the meeting of the two delegations, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement. The statement emphasized that mutual steps were decided upon during the negotiations in Istanbul to ensure the smooth financing of the two countries' embassies.

(Russian delegation entering the US Consulate General Source: AA)

THEY MET IN ISTANBUL

The meetings held by the Russian and US delegations in Istanbul yesterday were led by Alexander Darchiyev, Director of the North American Department of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Acting Deputy Secretary of State Sonata Coulter. The meeting took place at the residence of the US Consul General in Istanbul. The Russian side proposed evaluating the possibility of resuming direct flights between the two countries.

During the meetings, issues regarding Russian diplomatic properties seized by the US between 2016 and 2018 and ways to resolve various problems in bilateral relations were also discussed.

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the meetings took place in a constructive and business-oriented atmosphere. It was stated that this channel of dialogue between the two countries would continue.

Russia's decision to appoint an ambassador to Washington was announced shortly after this statement.

(Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated during his meeting with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan that his country's 'red lines must be respected' for the Ukraine war to end)

IS THE UKRAINE WAR ENDING?

US President Donald Trump announced that he expects to sign an agreement aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war during his meeting today with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. According to Trump's statement, an agreement has been reached between the US and Ukraine regarding the repayment of war aid. The agreement includes the management of Ukraine's natural resources and the creation of a joint fund for the country's reconstruction.

According to a report by the Financial Times (FT), Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal shared the details of the agreement with the public. Accordingly, 50 percent of the revenue generated from rare elements to be extracted on Ukrainian soil will be transferred to an investment fund that will be managed by the US and Ukraine with equal representation. This fund will be used for the reconstruction of the country's infrastructure. The agreement will prevent Ukraine's underground wealth from being declared the property of another country and will cover joint mining activities.

Emphasizing that he wants peace talks in Ukraine to begin soon, Trump made the following statements:

''We are working very hard to end the war. I think we have made a lot of progress and I think it has moved quite quickly. We will sign a historic agreement that will make the US an important partner in developing Ukraine's lands, oil, and gas.''

US AND UKRAINE TO SIGN AGREEMENT TODAY

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the agreement has been finalized and the negotiation process has ended. Bessent stated that the mineral agreement in Ukraine is complete and no further negotiations will be held on this matter. The agreement is expected to be signed by Bessent and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha.

The Associated Press (AP) reported that the agreement is seen as an important step toward ending the three-year war. It was predicted that Zelenskyy would demand security guarantees against possible future Russian attacks during the meeting. AP shared the information that the US and Ukraine will transfer 50 percent of the revenue from natural resources to a jointly managed investment fund.

Ukrainian officials emphasized that the agreement does not mean war reparations, stating that the fund will be used for the restructuring of the country. According to the FT, the US is expected to generate 20 billion dollars in revenue annually thanks to the mining agreement.