Russian Delegation Meets with US Congressmen in Washington

State Duma Deputy Svetlana Zhurova Summarizes First Day of Negotiations

Mar. 27, 2026 at 6:03am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Russian parliamentary delegation, including State Duma Deputy Svetlana Zhurova, met with US congressmen in Washington at the invitation of Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna. The two sides discussed a range of issues, including diplomatic property, visas, direct flights, the creation of a US-Russia friendship group, student exchanges, and the participation of Russian athletes in future Olympic Games held in the US.

Why it matters

The meeting represents a rare high-level diplomatic engagement between Russian and US officials amid ongoing tensions between the two countries. The discussions cover a wide range of bilateral issues and could signal a potential thaw in relations, or at least an effort to maintain open communication channels.

The details

During the meeting, the Russian delegation raised questions about their diplomatic property, visas, and direct flights between the two countries. They also discussed the need to create a US-Russia friendship group in the American parliament, similar to the one that exists in the State Duma. Additionally, the two sides talked about resuming student exchanges and allowing Russian athletes to participate in future Olympic Games held in the US. Congresswoman Luna promised to discuss the Olympic issue with former President Trump.

  • The meeting took place on March 27, 2026 in Washington, D.C.

The players

Svetlana Zhurova

A deputy in the Russian State Duma who led the Russian parliamentary delegation to the United States.

Anna Paulina Luna

A US Congresswoman who organized the meeting between the Russian delegation and American lawmakers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“She gathered her colleagues, who met with us and discussed pressing issues, including Ukraine.”

— Svetlana Zhurova, State Duma Deputy

“And we invited Anna Paulina Luna to pay a return visit to Russia. This issue will be worked out both from our side and from the American side.”

— Svetlana Zhurova, State Duma Deputy

What’s next

Congresswoman Luna has promised to discuss the issue of allowing Russian athletes to participate in future Olympic Games held in the US with former President Trump.

The takeaway

The meeting between the Russian parliamentary delegation and US congressmen represents a rare high-level diplomatic engagement between the two countries, signaling a potential effort to maintain open communication channels and address bilateral issues despite ongoing tensions.