U.S. Congress to Form Group for Relations With Russia’s State Duma, Nikonov Says

Overview

• Vyacheslav Nikonov said U.S. lawmakers agreed to set up a congressional group to engage with Russia’s State Duma, reviving a long-dormant channel.
• A five-member Duma delegation met U.S. legislators and administration officials in Washington to discuss strategic stability and the war in Ukraine.
• The Russian side raised practical issues that affect people’s lives, including visas, the resumption of direct flights, and access to Russian diplomatic property frozen in the United States.
• Nikonov warned against expecting quick results, saying any easing of U.S. sanctions would likely require progress on resolving the Ukraine conflict and action by Congress.
• He said Washington wants China in future arms talks while Moscow wants European nuclear powers included, noting Beijing has signaled it will wait until its arsenal nears U.S. levels.