Russia says restoring trust with US will take considerable time

MOSCOW

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Friday that rebuilding trust between Russia and the US will take time, citing opposition from various actors to improved ties.

Speaking to reporters in Almaty, Kazakhstan, after a meeting of foreign ministers from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Lavrov said normalization based on mutual respect and recognition of each country’s interests remains “both realistic and necessary.”

"We shouldn't harbor illusions, but aiming for normalization based on mutual recognition and respect for the interests of each country is quite realistic and necessary," he emphasized.

Asked about Thursday’s prisoner swap between Moscow and Washington, Lavrov said the initiative arose simultaneously from both sides.

"Regarding humanitarian initiatives, even when only two individuals reunite with their families, it represents a positive step," he said.

Russia and the US announced on Thursday that American citizen Ksenia Karelina was exchanged for Russian national Artur Petrov. The deal was facilitated by the United Arab Emirates.

Lavrov said it was the second exchange in recent weeks and that such moves help build trust.

"However, restoring trust will take a long time, as it was undermined by the Biden administration. There are still many people who oppose the normalization of relations and prefer politics over dialogue," he added.

He also addressed the possibility of resuming direct flights between the two countries, saying sanctions on Russia's flag carrier Aeroflot should be lifted.

"Yesterday's meeting in Istanbul concluded with our experts reiterating this proposal (about restoration of flights). Unfortunately, I haven't been able to communicate with them yet, so I'm unsure whether there's been any progress," he added.

The second round of talks between Russian and US officials ended Thursday afternoon in Istanbul after more than five hours.

Russia’s delegation was led by Ambassador to the US Alexander Darchiev. The US team was headed by Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Sonata Coulter. Discussions are said to have focused on restoring normal embassy operations.