New Russian ambassador to the US makes first statement
Ambassador Aleksandr Darchiev hailed a "window of opportunity" and outlined Moscow's priorities in bilateral relations with Washington.
According to RT, new Russian Ambassador Aleksandr Darchiev affirmed that Russia-US relations have had some positive developments, but more efforts are needed to overcome the "toxic legacy" of the previous US administration.
Speaking to reporters upon his arrival in Washington on the evening of March 26, Mr. Darchiev stressed that although relations between the two countries have been tense for many years, both sides are now showing signs of engaging in constructive dialogue. He noted that bilateral relations, which had been on the verge of collapse under the previous U.S. administration, are now beginning to stabilize.
"It is encouraging that my term in the United States begins at a time when a certain window of opportunity has opened in our bilateral relations. The presidents of the two countries have set a goal of restoring state-level communication channels, which were almost completely cut off by the administration of former President Joe Biden, and normalizing the work of diplomatic missions," Darchiev told reporters, according to TASS news agency.
Mr Darchiev added that while work was progressing in many areas, overcoming what he called the “toxic legacy” of previous years remained a major challenge. He said Moscow was pushing for easing visa procedures not only for diplomats but also for ordinary citizens, restoring direct flights between the two countries and returning six Russian diplomatic properties seized by the US.
“All these issues are things I intend to address concretely,” Mr. Darchiev said. “The work has actually gained momentum, and it is important to maintain and strengthen it based on the principle of strict reciprocity.”
Darchiev is a veteran diplomat who headed the North American Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry. He is fluent in English and French and served as Russia's Ambassador to Canada from 2014 to 2021. Before that, he also held various positions at the Russian Embassy in Washington, including senior adviser and envoy.
The new ambassador’s appointment comes after years of strained relations between Moscow and Washington, with reciprocal sanctions and diplomatic expulsions. The post has been vacant since Anatoly Antonov’s term ended last October.
President Vladimir Putin signed a decree appointing Mr Darchiev as ambassador to the US on March 6, after his nomination was discussed with US officials during talks in Istanbul in late February.
