Russian lawmakers visit US after Ukraine invasion

For the first time since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a delegation of five Russian lawmakers is visiting the United States to restore parliamentary contacts, according to the deputy chairman of the Russian State Duma’s foreign affairs committee.

Vyacheslav Nikonov told state news agency TASS in Washington that meetings with administration officials are planned for today.

The U.S. host is Republican Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna, a supporter of President Donald Trump and a critic of U.S. aid to Ukraine.

Nikonov said discussions with U.S. lawmakers focused on creating a joint parliamentary group and the possibility of a reciprocal visit to Moscow in May.

U.S. sanctions on the senior member of the ruling United Russia party were temporarily lifted to allow the visit.

Western countries have sharply curtailed political contacts with Russia in solidarity with Ukraine.

Trump has sought to reopen dialogue channels. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the trip an important step towards normalizing strained relations.

In Russia’s power structure, the two parliamentary chambers – the State Duma and Federation Council – play a largely secondary role.