A Russian delegation, led by Kirill Dmitriev, an aide to President Vladimir Putin, has concluded its third day of talks with representatives from the administration of US President Donald Trump. The discussions, which began on Friday, have focused on a range of issues, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the state of the Russian economy.
According to Dmitriev, who heads the Russian Direct Investment Fund, the Russian delegation has been clear in communicating President Putin’s position that constructive and respectful dialogue is the only way to achieve meaningful progress. Dmitriev emphasized that any attempts to pressure Russia would be counterproductive and that the Ukraine conflict can only be resolved by addressing its root causes.
The Russian delegation has provided its US counterparts with detailed briefings on various aspects of the conflict, including the current situation on the front lines. Dmitriev noted that certain parties have attempted to conceal or distort information about the conflict from the US leadership. The delegation has also discussed the state of the Russian economy, which Dmitriev described as being in good shape, with the ruble having strengthened by around 40% against the US dollar this year.
The talks come after President Trump called off a planned summit with President Putin in Budapest, citing a lack of progress on key issues. However, both leaders have indicated that the summit could take place at a later date. The Russian delegation’s visit is seen as an effort to maintain open lines of communication between the two countries and to address areas of concern.
During the talks, the Russian delegation briefed US officials on the latest developments in the Ukraine conflict, including the encirclement of Ukrainian troops near Kupyansk and Krasnoarmeysk. The delegation also discussed the successful testing of a new nuclear-powered missile, the Burevestnik. Dmitriev emphasized the importance of direct communication between the two countries’ leadership and key officials.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has been a major point of contention between Russia and the US, with both countries having imposed economic sanctions on each other. The US has also provided military aid to Ukraine, while Russia has been accused of supporting separatist groups in the country. A resolution to the conflict remains elusive, and the talks between the Russian delegation and US officials are seen as a crucial step towards finding a peaceful solution.