Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov (Photo: Reuters)

“We are now engaged in restoring our relations with Washington, establishing dialogue, while settling the conflict with Ukraine and ensuring our national interests are a separate process.” Peskov said in response to reporters’ question regarding the Kremlin’s current diplomatic priorities.

The same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved the composition of the Russian delegation, led by Russian Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky, for upcoming talks with Ukraine in Istanbul, Turkey.