The United States has suspended negotiations with Russia aimed at normalizing relations between the two countries and addressing issues affecting their respective diplomatic missions. This decision, according to Russian officials, has put the future of planned meetings in question.

Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov stated that the U.S. initiated the pause after an initial agreement to hold the next meeting in Moscow. The U.S. State Department and the Russian Foreign Ministry are now responsible for determining the timing and location of any future discussions. Ushakov described the situation as uncertain.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova confirmed the suspension of talks on “removing external irritants.” Zakharova expressed hope that the pause initiated by the American side would be brief, emphasizing the importance of resolving issues impacting the operations of diplomatic missions in both countries.