Russian and U.S. diplomats have held talks in Istanbul to discuss ways to normalize the operation of their embassies after diplomatic expulsions.

Amid the recent talks between US President Trump and Putin on ending war on Ukraine, now Russia has proposed to resume direct flights, "restoring direct air traffic" between the two countries, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry on Friday.

Putin hailed the Trump administration's "pragmatism and realistic view” compared with what he described as the “stereotypes and messianic ideological cliches” of its predecessors.

By Jonathan Spicer and Mark Trevelyan ISTANBUL (Reuters) -Russian and U.S. diplomats met in Turkey on Thursday for talks to resolve disputes over their respective embassies in Washington and Moscow, a first test of their ability to reset wider relations and work towards ending the war in Ukraine.

A Russian delegation arrived on Thursday at the U.S. consul general's residence in Istanbul for Russia-U.S. talks aimed at resolving disputes over the work of their respective

According to U.S. officials, American representatives "expressed concerns" regarding access to banking services and contractual provisions, highlighting the "need for a stable and resilient staffing structure at the U.