Russian Lawmakers Visit U.S. for First Time in Years, Agree to Restore Parliamentary Ties

The State Duma delegation met with American congressmen to discuss issues like the Ukraine crisis and cultural exchanges.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 7:53am

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A delegation of Russian State Duma deputies traveled to the United States for the first time in several years and met with American congressmen in Washington. The legislators agreed to restore bilateral relations and create an association for developing ties with Russia in the House of Representatives. The meeting covered topics such as the Ukrainian crisis, diplomatic property, visas, direct flights, the return of Russian athletes to the Olympics, and cultural exchanges.

Why it matters

This visit marks a significant step in restoring parliamentary dialogue between Russia and the United States, which had been strained in recent years due to geopolitical tensions. The meeting provides a platform for open communication and the potential to address contentious issues through diplomatic channels.

The details

The Russian delegation was led by Vyacheslav Nikonov, the first deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, and included MP Svetlana Zhurova. They met with members of the U.S. House of Representatives, including Anna Paulina Luna, who invited the Russian delegation despite personal sanctions against the deputies. The parties discussed a range of topics, including the Ukrainian crisis, diplomatic property, visas, direct flights, the return of Russian athletes to the Olympics, and cultural exchanges.

  • The Russian delegation visited the United States in March 2026.
  • The return visit of the American colleagues is expected before July 2026.

The players

Vyacheslav Nikonov

The first deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, who led the Russian delegation.

Svetlana Zhurova

A member of the Russian State Duma who was part of the delegation.

Anna Paulina Luna

A member of the U.S. House of Representatives who invited the Russian delegation, despite personal sanctions against the deputies.

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What they’re saying

“An association for the development of relations with Russia is likely to be created in the House of Representatives.”

— Vyacheslav Nikonov, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs

“The parties discussed the Ukrainian crisis, as well as issues of diplomatic property, visas, direct flights, the return of Russian athletes to the Olympics and cultural exchanges.”

— Svetlana Zhurova, Member of the Russian State Duma

What’s next

The return visit of the American colleagues is expected before July 2026.

The takeaway

This visit represents a significant step in restoring parliamentary dialogue between Russia and the United States, providing a platform for open communication and the potential to address contentious issues through diplomatic channels, despite the ongoing geopolitical tensions.