In a bid to ease tensions and win back favor with the US, Vladimir Putin is set to send his top negotiator, Kirill Dmitriev, to Washington. This move comes amid growing US anger over Russia’s reluctance to engage in peace talks ¹.
Dmitriev, born in Kyiv and educated in the US, reportedly has good relations with Washington officials. He will meet with Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Middle East envoy, this week. The meeting aims to revitalize stalled peace talks and address US concerns over Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
According to Reuters, Washington officials acknowledge that Putin is resisting attempts to strike a ceasefire. The US is considering economic or diplomatic punishments to push Russia closer to a deal. Trump’s frustration with Putin was evident in his recent statement, where he expressed being “pissed off” with the Russian leader.
The situation has sparked a united response from the US Senate, with 25 Republicans and 25 Democrats proposing sanctions on Russia if it refuses to engage in good faith negotiations with Ukraine.
Dmitriev responded to the reports on X, stating, “The resistance to US–Russia dialogue is real—driven by entrenched interests and old narratives. But what if improved relations are exactly what the world needs for lasting global security and peace?” ¹
Despite US efforts, a peace deal does not seem imminent, according to two senior Washington sources. The meeting between Dmitriev and Witkoff will be closely watched, as it may indicate a shift in Russia’s stance on the conflict.
As the situation continues to unfold, the international community remains hopeful for a peaceful resolution. The US and Russia must navigate their differences and work towards a mutually beneficial agreement.
