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Kirill Dmitriev, the head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund and a special envoy for investment and economic cooperation under President Vladimir Putin, arrived in Washington on Friday to hold discussions with U.S. officials. During his visit, Dmitriev expressed optimism that Russia, the United States, and Ukraine are nearing a diplomatic resolution to cease the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
In an interview with CNN following his arrival, Dmitriev stated that the previously scheduled meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin had not been canceled, contradicting recent reports, and indicated that a meeting between the two leaders is likely to happen in the future. The summit was temporarily postponed last Tuesday after Russia rejected an immediate ceasefire, complicating diplomatic efforts. Trump had cited slow progress and an unfavorable timing as reasons for calling off the meeting in Budapest.
Dmitriev, however, maintained a more hopeful outlook, asserting, “I believe Russia, the U.S., and Ukraine are actually quite close to finding a diplomatic solution.” He did not, however, provide specifics on what such an agreement might include.
European countries are collaborating with Ukraine on a new ceasefire proposal based on current frontlines, including ideas already under discussion, with the United States playing a central role in these negotiations. Dmitriev noted that Ukrainian President Zelensky had acknowledged the importance of the current battle lines, a shift from his previous stance that Russia should withdraw completely, which suggests that a diplomatic resolution may not be far off.
Russia launched its large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Previously, Trump announced plans for a quick meeting in Hungary with Putin to help end the war. However, Russia has remained unwilling to make concessions, demanding Ukraine cede more territory before any truces are considered.
Dmitriev’s visit occurs amidst new U.S. sanctions targeting two major Russian oil companies, aimed at pressuring Putin to bring the conflict to an end. Despite these sanctions, Dmitriev reiterated that dialogue between the two nations would persist, emphasizing the need for Russia’s interests to be respected.
He declined to specify whom he was meeting with but predicted that the sanctions would have a negative impact on gasoline prices in the U.S. Axios reported he would meet with Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, in Miami on Saturday. Dmitriev also mentioned plans to meet with other individuals, though their identities were not disclosed.
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