Russian and American lawmakers held a rare in-person meeting in Washington, discussing key issues including Ukraine, diplomatic ties, and potential restoration of direct flights, according to officials involved.
The Russian delegation from the State Duma met members of the US Congress in a move seen as part of broader efforts to maintain dialogue despite ongoing tensions. Republican Representative Anna Paulina Luna, who hosted the talks, stressed the importance of communication between what she described as the world’s two leading nuclear powers. She said continued engagement could support peace efforts and open economic opportunities, aligning with the administration of Donald Trump.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s economic envoy Kirill Dmitriev, who did not attend, described the meeting as “historic” in a social media post. Russian lawmaker Svetlana Zhurova said discussions primarily focused on Ukraine, alongside visa issues and the status of Russian diplomatic properties seized in previous US administrations.
In addition, both sides explored restarting student exchange programs and facilitating the return of Russian athletes to international competitions, including the upcoming Olympic Games in the United States. Zhurova noted that while disagreements persist, American lawmakers remained open to dialogue despite concerns over Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
Furthermore, discussions extended to humanitarian cooperation and cultural exchanges, including potential performances by renowned Russian institutions such as the Bolshoi and Mariinsky theaters in the US. Officials expressed hope that such initiatives could help rebuild bilateral ties.
However, the meeting drew criticism within the United States. Some lawmakers opposed engaging with Russian officials, highlighting deep divisions in Washington over relations with Moscow. At the same time, US sanctions on Russian entities remain in place, underscoring ongoing policy differences.
Despite these challenges, Russian officials described the talks as productive. Lawmaker Vyacheslav Nikonov said both sides even discussed the possibility of future visits by US lawmakers to Moscow, signaling cautious interest in continued engagement.
