Moscow: No agreement yet on a date or venue for consultations with Washington

Noting that the two sides are still in the initial coordination phase to determine the agenda and the issues to be put on the table for discussion.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova explained that contacts between diplomats are ongoing,

and that Moscow is not seeking a formal meeting or diplomatic show.

Rather, it is a real dialogue that addresses the roots of differences and is based on mutual respect and common interests.

Stressing that any negotiation must be “based on equality, not dictates.”

Zakharova added that Russia sees dialogue as a means to ease international tensions.

But the continuation of what she described as Washington’s “hostile approach” and the imposition of economic sanctions,

It complicates the chances of achieving real progress in bilateral relations.

For its part, the US administration has so far refrained from announcing

any details regarding the date or venue of the consultations.

She was content to confirm that communication channels with Moscow remain open “when needed,”

Amid growing indications of a deepening rift between the two countries over sensitive issues such as Ukraine,

the missile shield, and global energy security.

Observers believe that the postponement of consultations reflects the cooling of relations between Moscow and Washington.

This is in light of the ongoing political and media confrontation between the two parties.

There are no signs of a breakthrough soon, despite international pressure to resume dialogue.