Russia decries setback in relations as US cancels diplomatic talk with Moscow

Russia has accused the United States of abruptly pulling out of the next round of bilateral talks aimed at easing long-standing tensions between the two nuclear powers.

The Russian Foreign Ministry revealed on Monday, June 16, 2025, that the diplomatic consultations—intended to resolve long-running disputes and restore diplomatic channels—were canceled by Washington without an official explanation.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the decision was taken “at the initiative of the American negotiators.”

“As of today, the next meeting within the framework of bilateral consultations on eliminating ‘irritants’ in order to normalize the activities of diplomatic missions of both countries has been cancelled,” she stated.

The talks were part of a fresh diplomatic engagement launched after President Donald Trump returned to office in January 2025.

Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to initiate discussions separate from negotiations over the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Zakharova expressed hope that the pause “will not last too long.”

Russia, which had described relations with the United States as “below zero” during President Joe Biden’s tenure, saw Trump’s return as an opportunity to reboot diplomatic channels.

Under Biden, the US had provided advanced weaponry to Ukraine and imposed sweeping sanctions on Moscow.

Just last week, Russia had said the diplomatic discussions would soon move from Istanbul to Moscow.

However, the Kremlin also warned that “a lot of blockages” remained in the path of progress, dampening expectations of a swift breakthrough.

Despite the cancellation, the Kremlin maintains that official dialogue has not been entirely derailed.

Trump has held five phone calls with Putin since retaking office—most recently on Saturday.

While the US President has shown interest in improving ties, he has also reportedly expressed frustration with Moscow’s continued aggression in Ukraine.

Both governments acknowledge that the potential for economic and investment cooperation is enormous—should relations improve.

The diplomatic freeze, however, is yet another sign of the fragile nature of the US-Russia relationship, which continues to be tested by military actions, sanctions, and mutual distrust.

As Washington remains silent on its reasons, all eyes are now on whether either side will restart talks—or allow this diplomatic window to close indefinitely.

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