Russia, U.S., and Ukraine Near Diplomatic Breakthrough, Says Putin Envoy Kirill Dmitriev

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s special envoy for investment and economic cooperation, Kirill Dmitriev, said Friday that Russia, the United States, and Ukraine are close to reaching a diplomatic solution to end the ongoing war. Speaking to CNN after arriving in Washington for talks with U.S. officials, Dmitriev emphasized that despite recent setbacks, progress toward peace is being made.

Dmitriev clarified that a planned meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin was not canceled, as the former U.S. president had stated, but rather postponed. Trump announced earlier in the week that the Budapest summit would not take place due to Russia’s resistance to an immediate ceasefire, citing a lack of progress and poor timing.

According to Dmitriev, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has shown flexibility by recognizing negotiations based on current battle lines — a shift from his earlier demand for a full Russian withdrawal. “I believe we are reasonably close to a diplomatic solution that can be worked out,” Dmitriev told CNN.

European nations, working alongside the U.S. and Ukraine, are reportedly developing a new ceasefire proposal built on existing frameworks, Reuters reported. Meanwhile, Dmitriev’s U.S. visit coincides with new sanctions targeting major Russian oil companies, designed to pressure Moscow to end the war.

Despite these sanctions, Dmitriev maintained optimism about continued dialogue. “It is only possible if Russia’s interests are respected,” he said, warning that U.S. sanctions could backfire and increase gasoline prices for Americans. Axios reported that Dmitriev plans to meet Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff in Miami, along with other unnamed officials.

Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, sparking a conflict that continues to reshape global geopolitics.