<h1>US and Russian Diplomats Meet to Discuss Embassy Operations and Improve Relations Amid Ukraine War Tensions</h1> Russian and US diplomats met in Istanbul to discuss normalizing embassy operations after years of diplomatic tensions. The talks were initiated following a call between the US and Russian presidents and subsequent meetings in Saudi Arabia. Russian President Putin praised the US administration's pragmatic approach, expressing hope for improved relations. The discussions aimed at ending the Ukraine war and enhancing diplomatic and economic ties, including restoring embassy staffing. The US raised concerns about banking access and staffing at its Moscow embassy. Both sides identified initial steps to stabilize operations, with hopes to restore full diplomatic communication disrupted by previous administrations.