Diplomatic engagement between major powers continues through working-level channels despite the suspension of high-level summits, according to multiple sources familiar with ongoing negotiations. Senior officials from both sides have maintained regular contact via video conference and secure communication lines to manage tensions and prevent escalation, particularly on issues related to trade, technology controls and regional security arrangements.
The most recent exchange occurred on February 15, when mid-level envoys met virtually to discuss implementation mechanisms for existing arms control agreements and to clarify procedural steps for future inspections. Participants confirmed the meeting took place but declined to disclose specific outcomes, citing the sensitive nature of the topics under review.
In parallel, technical teams from both nations have resumed joint working groups on supply chain resilience for critical minerals, a topic that had been paused following the last summit. These sessions, hosted alternately in Geneva and Vienna, focus on data sharing protocols and joint assessment frameworks rather than policy decisions.
Officials familiar with the process emphasize that while these interactions lack the political visibility of summit meetings, they serve a stabilizing function by maintaining communication pathways and reducing the risk of miscalculation. One senior diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the confidential nature of the talks, noted that “the absence of headlines does not mean the absence of work.”
No date has been set for the resumption of leader-level engagement, and both sides have avoided public speculation about when such a meeting might occur. Instead, attention remains focused on sustaining operational-level dialogue to manage outstanding differences and explore areas of practical cooperation where interests align.
