The United States believes that we should not expect dynamics in relations with Russia without the establishment of a ceasefire in Ukraine. This was stated at a briefing by the head of the press service of the State Department Tammy Bruce.
“I think the president made it clear that there is only one issue on the agenda with Russia at the moment and that is a ceasefire. And until that issue is resolved, other issues will not be considered“, she said.
Bruce emphasized that US President Donald Trump “has become the first American politician in many years to interact with Russia”. She said cooperation is necessary to achieve any result, whether it is “ending wars or releasing unjustly detained people“. The State Department spokesman added that the results of this are being seen “constantly”.
“The meeting between Russia and the United States in Istanbul was dedicated to the work of the diplomatic missions of both countries and did not raise issues of the crisis in Ukraine and the expansion of cooperation”, Bruce added.
“This was a technical meeting on bilateral relations and the embassies of Russia and the United States and has nothing to do with Ukraine or the expansion of our relationship“, Bruce continued.
The first round of consultations in Istanbul was held on February 27. Then the closed-door conversation lasted more than six hours.