MOSCOW: A group of five State Duma deputies arrived in Moscow on Sunday from the United States, where they were staying at the invitation of Representative Anna Paulina Luna.
The Russian parliamentary delegation arrived in Moscow at Vnukovo Airport, where a special flight detachment of the "Rossiya" air force landed, TASS reports.
The parliamentarians returned from Washington, D.C., with two stops along the way – in New York and Casablanca.
The delegation of five deputies was in the United States at the invitation of Representative Anna Paulina Luna, a Republican representing Florida.
During the visit, the Russian deputies met with American lawmakers from both parties and held closed-door talks with representatives of the US administration and academic circles.
As a reminder, in late October 2025, Congresswoman Luna confirmed plans for a meeting between delegations from the US Congress and the State Duma. In January, she announced an invitation to State Duma deputies to Washington. Before their departure, a Vedomosti source reported that the delegation would be led by Vyacheslav Nikonov, deputy chairman of the International Affairs Committee and grandson of Soviet Foreign Minister Vyacheslav Molotov.
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Deputies Return from Washington: What the First Parliamentary Delegation in a Long Time Brought to Moscow
A delegation of Russian parliamentarians led by Vyacheslav Nikonov returned from Washington, calling the trip historic. The visit, which took place at the invitation of US congressmen, marked the first direct dialogue at this level in many years.
As Nikonov explained, specific, sensitive issues for both sides were discussed during the talks: the resumption of air travel, the issuance of visas, and the fate of frozen Russian property abroad. Before the trip, the deputies received instructions from President Vladimir Putin, and the Kremlin later stated that such a dialogue could be the first step toward reviving relations.
Moscow is now awaiting guests. Nikonov said he expects a return visit from American legislators to Russia before July, when the State Duma election campaign begins. "The next move is up to the Americans," the politician noted.
Nikonov paid special attention to the so-called "spirit of Anchorage"—the atmosphere of dialogue that emerged after the leaders' last meeting. Despite recent statements that this spirit is "evaporating," the head of the delegation is confident it is alive. He considers the invitation to the United States a political gesture, backed by a will to negotiate.
However, one should not expect quick miracles. Nikonov openly stated that he does not believe sanctions will be completely lifted in the foreseeable future, although some of them, in his opinion, could "fall away due to their complete senselessness." The very fact of his American colleagues' visit to Moscow could be a breakthrough. According to the deputy, an important outcome was the understanding that Washington is willing to discuss certain practical issues in bilateral relations without strict linkage to the Ukrainian settlement. American partners, of course, emphasized that much depends on peace in Ukraine, but a window for progress on other issues has apparently opened.
As reported by Vzglyad newspaper, the Russian parliamentary delegation held productive talks with members of the US Congress during their first visit in 12 years. The members of the US Congress received an invitation to Moscow. Peskov stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin will receive a report on the Russian deputies' visit to the US.
Earlier, on March 26, State Duma Deputy Speaker Boris Chernyshev stated that the Russian delegates had gone to convey "our truth" to their American colleagues and defend Russia's interests, laying the foundation for future dialogue.
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