Russian President Vladimir Putin’s special envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, mentioned that Moscow, Washington, and Kyiv are nearing a diplomatic agreement to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Dmitriev’s statement aligns with escalating tensions between the United States and Russia following new US sanctions directed at Moscow’s oil sector.
During an interview with CNN, Dmitriev clarified that the anticipated meeting between Putin and US President Donald Trump had not been canceled, as earlier suggested by Trump. Instead, the meeting is likely to be rescheduled for a later date.
Trump had initially announced plans for a meeting in Budapest with Putin to explore a potential ceasefire and peace framework. However, citing a lack of progress in negotiations, Trump later put the summit on hold, attributing the delay to Russia’s refusal to agree to an immediate ceasefire.
Dmitriev emphasized that diplomatic efforts are ongoing, asserting that continued dialogue between Russia and the US is contingent on recognizing and respecting Russia’s interests.
In a positive outlook, Dmitriev expressed optimism about the progress of diplomatic discussions, stating, “I believe Russia, the US, and Ukraine are fairly close to a diplomatic resolution.” He highlighted Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy’s shift in acknowledging the reality of battle lines, suggesting a potential breakthrough in negotiations.
Addressing concerns about the impact of sanctions, Dmitriev downplayed their significance while cautioning that they could have adverse economic repercussions. He forecasted potential price hikes at American gas stations due to the sanctions but noted that higher global oil prices might mitigate losses for Russia.
Dmitriev’s visit to the US coincided with the announcement of sanctions on major Russian oil companies. Despite the sanctions, he underscored the importance of maintaining open communication channels between the US and Russia.
While diplomatic efforts continue, Dmitriev is set to meet with Trump’s special envoy in Miami and engage in undisclosed discussions in Washington centered on economic cooperation and investment. He stressed the necessity of respecting Russia’s interests for sustained dialogue between the two nations.
In contrast, Ukrainian officials have not confirmed direct participation in behind-the-scenes negotiations. President Zelenskyy has reiterated Ukraine’s stance against any agreement that legitimizes Russian occupation.