Kremlin Says Talks With Washington Face “Many Obstacles” and Quick Progress Is Unlikely

Russia does not expect fast results from its ongoing talks with the United States aimed at improving relations, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov said Wednesday.

“There are many obstacles in bilateral relations. It is unlikely that we can expect quick results,” he told reporters during a briefing, according to Digi24.

Despite acknowledging the difficulty, Peskov emphasized that the dialogue would continue. He described it as “hard work” and said talks are ongoing between foreign ministries from both nations.

Cautious Engagement, Shifting Tone

The renewed diplomatic contacts began after Donald Trump returned to the White House in January. His first official call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 12 opened the door to what both sides described as a complete reassessment of their strained relationship.

Trump, who has publicly stated he aims to position the U.S. “in the middle” of the Ukraine conflict, has echoed several elements of the Kremlin’s messaging.

He has also floated the idea of potential economic cooperation with Russia — moves that have sparked debate both in Washington and among NATO allies.

Talks Continue, But Outlook Dim

Consultations between Russian and U.S. diplomats took place earlier this year in Istanbul and Riyadh, with the next round expected to be held in Moscow, according to Russia’s ambassador to the U.S., Aleksandr Darchev. Peskov confirmed the upcoming meeting but declined to share the exact timing or the makeup of the delegations.

The pace of negotiations has slowed in recent weeks, casting doubt on the Trump administration’s initial vision of a fast-tracked settlement to the war in Ukraine.

While Ukraine remains the central topic, both sides are also exploring broader issues, including economic ties, European security frameworks, and global arms control.

For now, Moscow sees progress as possible, but distant.