The meeting of U.S. and Russian legislators organized by Florida Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna drew positive reactions from some of the participants on both sides.
Congressman Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) (@RepVanOrden) underscored the importance of U.S.-Russian dialogue even in times of tension.
“For the first time in nearly 25 years, a bipartisan group of five Members of Congress sat down with the Russian Duma to engage in direct discussions on peace and bilateral relations,” Van Orden wrote on X.
“We have a responsibility to maintain open lines of communication and pursue dialogue, even in times of tension. I remain committed to continuing these conversations and supporting President Trump’s commitment towards peace.”
Vice Speaker of the Russian Duma Boris Chernyshov found the meeting “promising.”
“The start of the dialogue turned out to be promising … a number of congressmen are very optimistic and ready to listen and hear our arguments and proposals,” Chernyshov told Sputnik.
According to Chernyshov the delegations discussed a broad range of issues, including economic cooperation and international security, and suggested that “one of the first steps could be the lifting of sanctions” and opening an office in Washington for the non-profit ANO Eurasia, an organization promoting interaction among the people of the Soviet Union space of Eurasia. Chernyshov also proposed holding joint events, including a historical conference on World War II and a forum on migration, and invited U.S. lawmakers to visit Moscow during Victory Day celebrations.
Chernyshov also raised the issue of U.S. visa restrictions, calling it “unacceptable” to deny a visa to Russian lawmaker Leonid Slutsky, head of the Duma Committee on International Affairs. “We stated a clear position during the talks: for participation in the work of the UN and other international organizations, all sanctions against Slutsky must be lifted and a visa must be issued,” Chernyshov said.
Russian Ambassador to the United States Alexander Darchiev said, “I am pleased. The talks were successful.”
