“Alongside expert-level exchanges, there has been a return to normalcy — in the sense of holding working contacts in the capitals, namely Moscow and Washington,” Ryabkov said.
He confirmed that the previous round of talks took place in the United States and stressed that such meetings are not publicized to preserve a working atmosphere. According to him, the results of the discussions — or the lack thereof — are communicated to the public after the fact.
On Jan. 23, the Kremlin hosted talks between Vladimir Putin and U.S. President’s special envoy Steve Witkoff. The meeting lasted more than three and a half hours. According to preliminary information, the sides discussed ways to settle the war against Ukraine, as well as Russia’s potential participation in the so-called Peace Council.
This marked Witkoff’s seventh visit to Moscow, while Jared Kushner arrived for the first time since December.
Since the beginning of the year, delegations have also discussed issues related to the functioning of embassies and banking services for diplomatic missions. Ryabkov last referred to such contacts in December, saying there had been “cautious progress,” although key problems remain unresolved.
The next round of similar consultations could take place in the spring of 2026, he said.
Ryabkov’s remarks came amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between the United States and Russia following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The United States continues a policy of sanctions and isolation of the Russian regime, while the Kremlin seeks to signal readiness for selective dialogue on certain technical issues.