The United States has canceled a planned meeting with Russia aimed at reducing tensions and normalizing the operations of diplomatic missions between the two countries, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova confirmed that the next round of bilateral consultations, which sought to eliminate irritants in the relationship and restore embassy functions, was called off at the initiative of the American side. The talks were part of a process launched by Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump to improve bilateral ties. While Moscow expressed hope that the pause in consultations will not be prolonged, it remains uncertain whether the talks will resume. The cancellation marks a setback in diplomatic efforts to ease tensions and normalize relations between the United States and Russia.