By Our Correspondent
National News – For the first time since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, a delegation of five Russian lawmakers has travelled to the United States to reopen parliamentary dialogue between both countries.
The visit took place in Washington on Friday, marking a rare diplomatic engagement between the two nations after years of strained relations following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
According to Deputy Chairman of the Russian State Duma’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Vyacheslav Nikonov, the delegation arrived in Washington to explore ways of restoring parliamentary contacts between Russian and American lawmakers.
The trip represents the first direct legislative exchange between the two countries since Western nations reduced political engagement with Moscow in response to the war in Ukraine.
Nikonov disclosed that meetings with officials from the US administration and members of Congress were scheduled for Friday.
The discussions are expected to focus on rebuilding communication channels and exploring future cooperation between lawmakers from both nations.
The Russian delegation was hosted by Republican Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna, who is known for supporting former US President Donald Trump and for criticising Washington’s continued financial and military aid to Ukraine.
Her involvement in facilitating the visit highlights divisions within US political circles over how to approach relations with Moscow.
As part of the diplomatic effort, Nikonov said talks also covered the creation of a joint parliamentary group that could help improve legislative dialogue between Russia and the United States.
He added that American lawmakers might make a reciprocal visit to Moscow in May if discussions progress positively.
To enable the visit, the United States temporarily lifted sanctions previously imposed on Nikonov, a senior member of Russia’s ruling United Russia party.
The sanctions waiver allowed the delegation to participate in official meetings in Washington.
The Kremlin has described the trip as an important step toward easing tensions and rebuilding diplomatic ties between both nations.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the parliamentary visit could help normalise strained relations that have persisted since the Ukraine conflict escalated.
However, analysts note that Russia’s parliament—comprising the State Duma and the Federation Council—plays a largely secondary role in the country’s political decision-making structure, meaning any major diplomatic breakthrough would likely require engagement at higher levels of government.
