Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced on Tuesday that the United States and Russia are preparing to hold another diplomatic meeting, aimed at addressing ongoing issues that have hampered the operations of their respective embassies. Lavrov emphasized the significance of the discussions, which are intended to eliminate "irritants that seriously interfere" with the work of diplomats in both capitals.

Speaking to reporters, Lavrov remarked, “I do not want to make predictions, but we see the emerging progress and the desire of American partners to remove these obstacles to the normal work of diplomats in capitals that are completely unacceptable from the point of view of diplomatic practice.” His comments suggest cautious optimism about the potential for improved bilateral relations.

The upcoming talks are part of a broader diplomatic engagement between the two nations. Notably, officials from the U.S. and Russia met recently in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where they discussed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the possibility of a ceasefire agreement. That meeting marked a rare instance of direct dialogue amid heightened geopolitical tensions.

The diplomatic friction between Washington and Moscow has been characterized by mutual expulsions of embassy staff, visa delays, and restrictions on diplomatic movement, all of which have disrupted normal diplomatic functions. The renewed talks aim to de-escalate these issues and reestablish stable communication channels.

While the agenda for the next meeting has not been publicly detailed, it is expected to focus primarily on restoring embassy operations and reducing the bureaucratic and political barriers that have accumulated over recent years. Both sides appear to recognize the need for open lines of communication, especially in light of global security concerns.

Lavrov’s statements reflect Russia’s willingness to engage diplomatically, provided the discussions result in practical outcomes. His reference to “emerging progress” points to tentative steps already made behind the scenes. The United States has not yet released an official comment on the scheduling or location of the upcoming meeting.

Observers note that while deep strategic differences remain between the two nations, resolving administrative and diplomatic hurdles could serve as a foundation for more substantive negotiations on broader issues. As preparations continue, attention will be focused on whether this meeting leads to a measurable thaw in U.S.-Russia relations.