President Vladimir Putins special envoy for international economic and investment cooperation may visit the United States this week to discuss strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries, the Kremlin confirmed Wednesday after media outlets first reported the potential trip.Kirill Dmitriev, who is under United States sanctions, will reportedly meet with special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff for talks, CNN reported Tuesday.Dmitriev previouslyhinted at possible cooperation between Russia and the United States on Arctic development and rare earth metals projects, as well as Marsexploration with billionaire Elon Musk.The United States government temporarily lifted sanctions against Dmitriev to grant him a United States visa, CNN reported, citing an unnamed source familiar with the matter.Reuters reported that Dmitriev, who also heads Russias Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), will meet Witkoff on Wednesday.
Witkoff has met with Putin twice in Moscow as part of United States President Donald Trumps efforts to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine.Yes, I confirm that this visit is possible, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday when asked to comment on the reports.Were continuing our discussions with the Americans through various channels.
I cant provide you with anything more specific than that.DmitrievsaidWednesday that his trip to the United States was still a maybe, suggesting in a post on X that United States -Russia talks were being met with resistance from entrenched interests and old narratives.But what if improved relations are exactly what the world needs for lasting global security and peace? Dmitriev wrote.Trump has sought warmer relations with Russia since taking office in January and has repeatedly said that he hopes to have an in-person meeting with Putin soon.
However, the United States president suggested in recent days that he is growing impatient with Russias apparent refusal to accept a United States -proposed ceasefire in Ukraine.Dmitrievs possible trip to the United States may be aimed at de-escalating some of the tensions surrounding the peace negotiation process, according to Reuters.