What is the significance of the recent US-Russia talks?

The recent US-Russia talks represent the first senior-level meeting between the two nations in four years and the first engagement between Russia and President Trump's new national security team. This initial step focused on establishing a bilateral relationship, addressing embassy issues in respective capitals, and appointing senior negotiators from both sides. The discussions are laying groundwork for a potential future meeting between President Putin and President Trump. While described as fruitful by both parties, these talks are just the beginning of a negotiation process that will likely become more challenging once specific demands from both sides come into focus.