U.S. approves new Russian ambassador as diplomatic thaw continues
By isabelle // 2025-03-04
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  • Washington approves Aleksandr Darchiev as Russia’s new ambassador, signaling a potential reset in U.S.-Russia relations.
  • Darchiev, a seasoned diplomat, fills a role vacant since October 2023, following high-level talks in Riyadh and Istanbul.
  • The U.S. and Russia discussed restoring direct commercial flights and resolving embassy staffing disputes during recent negotiations.
  • European allies express concern as U.S.-Russia talks sideline Ukraine, with reports of potential halts to U.S. military aid to Kyiv.
  • Darchiev’s appointment could reshape U.S.-Russia relations, impacting Ukraine’s war and global geopolitical dynamics.
Washington, D.C. has approved Aleksandr Darchiev as Russia’s new ambassador to the United States in a significant shift signaling a potential reset in U.S.-Russia relations. The move, confirmed by the Russian Foreign Ministry on Friday, comes after two rounds of high-level talks between the two nations in Riyadh and Istanbul over the past two weeks. Darchiev, a seasoned diplomat with more than 30 years of experience, is expected to take up his post in Washington soon, filling a role left vacant since October 2023. This development marks a notable departure from the frosty diplomatic climate that has defined U.S.-Russia relations since the onset of the Ukraine conflict in 2022.

A seasoned diplomat takes the helm

Darchiev, 64, currently heads the Russian Foreign Ministry’s North America Department and previously served as Russia’s ambassador to Canada from 2014 to 2021. His appointment is seen as a key step toward restoring full diplomatic engagement between the two nations. The U.S. approval of Darchiev’s nomination follows recent discussions aimed at resolving disputes over embassy staffing and operations, which have been strained by years of tit-for-tat expulsions. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the U.S. had formally agreed to Darchiev’s appointment during talks in Istanbul, where both sides also discussed restoring direct commercial flights between the two countries — a proposal that aligns with President Donald Trump’s push for economic cooperation with Moscow. “His departure for his place of service in Washington is expected in the near future,” the ministry said in a statement.

A shift in U.S.-Russia relations

The approval of Darchiev’s appointment is widely viewed as part of broader efforts to mend ties between Washington and Moscow. President Vladimir Putin has welcomed the thaw, praising the Trump administration for its “pragmatism” and “realistic worldview.” In a recent meeting with Russian intelligence officials, Putin noted that the renewed dialogue between the two nations “inspires a certain degree of hope” for resolving long-standing strategic and security issues. However, the warming relations have raised concerns among European allies, particularly as Ukraine’s military struggles on the front lines continue. Reports suggest that the Trump administration is considering halting military aid to Ukraine in response to President Volodymyr Zelensky’s unwillingness to negotiate. ““Military supplies could be halted in response to remarks by Zelensky at a meeting with Trump and his perceived intransigence in the peace process,” Russian news agency TASS reported.

Europe and Ukraine sidelined

European leaders have been notably absent from recent U.S.-Russia discussions, as the focus shifts to direct engagement between Washington and Moscow. The Kremlin appears to be leveraging growing anti-Zelensky sentiment in Washington to sideline Ukraine from key negotiations. Meanwhile, Russia has proposed offering the U.S. access to its mineral reserves, a move that aligns with Trump’s calls for reducing America’s reliance on Chinese resources. As diplomatic relations between the two nations continue to improve, the trajectory of the Ukraine war — and the future of U.S. foreign policy in the region — may be undergoing a dramatic shift. With Darchiev’s appointment, the stage is set for a new chapter in U.S.-Russia relations, one that could reshape the geopolitical landscape in ways not seen in decades. The approval of Aleksandr Darchiev as Russia’s new ambassador to the U.S. marks a pivotal moment in the evolving relationship between the two nations. While the move signals a potential thaw in diplomatic tensions, it also raises questions about the future of U.S. support for Ukraine and the role of European allies in shaping the region’s security architecture. As Washington and Moscow navigate this new chapter, the world will be watching closely to see whether this diplomatic reset leads to lasting peace or further geopolitical uncertainty. Sources for this article include: YourNews.com NDTV.com Reuters.com TheGuardian.com
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