Putin's economic representative affirms trip to the US
Kirill Dmitriev, the economic envoy of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has stated that he is now in Washington for discussions with U.S. officials. This marks the highest-level visit by a Russian official to the U.S. since the conflict in...
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Kirill Dmitriev, the economic envoy of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has stated that he is now in Washington for discussions with U.S. officials. This marks the highest-level visit by a Russian official to the U.S. since the conflict in Ukraine escalated in February 2022. Dmitriev's trip occurs amid ongoing diplomatic efforts between the Kremlin and the White House aimed at finding a resolution.
Reports from U.S. media indicated that Dmitriev was expected to meet with Steve Witkoff, the envoy of former President Donald Trump who oversees U.S. relations with Russia. In a post on Telegram, Dmitriev confirmed that he had been “holding meetings in Washington with representatives of the Trump administration” at President Putin's request and promised to offer updates following the conclusion of the talks.
“Dialogue between Russia and the US, which is of the utmost importance for the entire world, has been completely destroyed under the previous administration of US President Joe Biden,” he remarked.
As the head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, Dmitriev emphasized that “numerous forces” in various countries are attempting to disrupt the efforts made by Moscow and Washington to preserve and restore their relationship. He added, “The opponents of rapprochement are afraid that Russia and the US will find common ground, begin to better understand each other and build cooperation, both in international affairs and in the economy.”
Acknowledging the challenges in restoring dialogue, Dmitriev noted that it is “a difficult and gradual process,” but maintained that “each meeting, each frank conversation allows us to move forward.” He mentioned that “A real understanding of the Russian position [by the US] opens up new opportunities for constructive interaction, including in the investment and economic areas.”
Dmitriev previously participated in Russia-U.S. discussions in Saudi Arabia last month, where both nations agreed to take steps toward normalizing their relations. Following that meeting, Moscow and Washington have been considering a potential diplomatic resolution to the Ukraine conflict, including a 30-day pause on strikes against key infrastructure and a willingness to revive the Black Sea Grain Initiative.
However, Russia has accused Ukraine of continually violating the truce, alleging that drones have been attacking facilities included in the agreement daily. Moscow insists that any resolution must consider the current situation and address the fundamental issues of the conflict, such as NATO expansion, and would require Ukraine to adopt a stance of neutrality, undergo demilitarization, and pursue denazification.
Jessica Kline for TROIB News
Reports from U.S. media indicated that Dmitriev was expected to meet with Steve Witkoff, the envoy of former President Donald Trump who oversees U.S. relations with Russia. In a post on Telegram, Dmitriev confirmed that he had been “holding meetings in Washington with representatives of the Trump administration” at President Putin's request and promised to offer updates following the conclusion of the talks.
“Dialogue between Russia and the US, which is of the utmost importance for the entire world, has been completely destroyed under the previous administration of US President Joe Biden,” he remarked.
As the head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, Dmitriev emphasized that “numerous forces” in various countries are attempting to disrupt the efforts made by Moscow and Washington to preserve and restore their relationship. He added, “The opponents of rapprochement are afraid that Russia and the US will find common ground, begin to better understand each other and build cooperation, both in international affairs and in the economy.”
Acknowledging the challenges in restoring dialogue, Dmitriev noted that it is “a difficult and gradual process,” but maintained that “each meeting, each frank conversation allows us to move forward.” He mentioned that “A real understanding of the Russian position [by the US] opens up new opportunities for constructive interaction, including in the investment and economic areas.”
Dmitriev previously participated in Russia-U.S. discussions in Saudi Arabia last month, where both nations agreed to take steps toward normalizing their relations. Following that meeting, Moscow and Washington have been considering a potential diplomatic resolution to the Ukraine conflict, including a 30-day pause on strikes against key infrastructure and a willingness to revive the Black Sea Grain Initiative.
However, Russia has accused Ukraine of continually violating the truce, alleging that drones have been attacking facilities included in the agreement daily. Moscow insists that any resolution must consider the current situation and address the fundamental issues of the conflict, such as NATO expansion, and would require Ukraine to adopt a stance of neutrality, undergo demilitarization, and pursue denazification.
Jessica Kline for TROIB News
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