President Trump’s designee as ambassador to Russia, John Sullivan, met with a Russian deputy foreign minister Oleg Syromolotov in the intelligence capital of Vienna, Austria, on Monday. Deputy Secretary of State Sullivan’s mission: get Russia’s improved engagement with U.S. counterterrorism efforts.
It might just work.
The United States has saved Russian lives on numerous occasions by sharing high-grade intelligence with Moscow. Russia, however, has been less than reciprocal in these efforts. So on Monday, the U.S. sought Moscow’s improved cooperation in monitoring the movement of terrorists across global borders and commercial air routes. It also requested Russian support for a global effort to see terrorists prosecuted in their country of origin. Both principles comport with both nations’ interests.
Russia’s decision to send Syromolotov to the meeting also suggests a welcome seriousness about the talks. A former senior counterintelligence officer of the Russian FSB, Syromolotov isn’t exactly an American friend. But in some sense that makes him well-suited to this meeting. From his intelligence background, Syromolotov will understand the utility for Russia of greater access to U.S. counterterrorism intelligence. He knows it can save Russian national prestige and citizens’ lives. He also knows how capable the U.S. counterterrorism community is.
There are complications. For example, Russia will always use U.S. intelligence to further its broader foreign policy interests if possible. Nor should this effort be seen as a broader signal of rapprochement with Moscow. State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus noted that “Sullivan pressed issues of bilateral concern with Deputy Foreign Minister Syromolotov, including election security and Ukraine.”
Ultimately, however, this is positive realpolitik. The U.S. and Russia are keystone adversaries. But at least on counter-terrorism, both nations recognize that cooperation offers mutual dividends.
