- Kirill Dmitriev took part in Russia-US talks in Saudi Arabia in February
- President Vladimir Putin appointed Dmitriev as the Kremlin’s international economy envoy in February
MOSCOW: The Kremlin on Wednesday said that its negotiator Kirill Dmitriev could visit the United States this week, as US media reported he is expected in Washington to meet Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff.
Dmitriev took part in Russia-US talks in Saudi Arabia in February and his visit would be the first of a senior Russian official to the United States since Moscow launched its offensive on Ukraine in February 2022.
“Yes, I confirm. This visit may be possible. We are continuing to talk to the Americans. I will not give more concrete (details),” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters when asked about media reports on the visit.
President Vladimir Putin appointed Dmitriev as the Kremlin’s international economy envoy in February as Moscow seeks to warm ties with Washington during Donald Trump’s presidency.
Russia is hoping for an easing of massive sanctions on its economy under Trump.
His visit to the United States would come as both Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of violating agreements brokered by Washington officials in Saudi Arabia in March.
Citing sources, CNN reported that the United States temporarily lifted sanctions against Dmitriev to allow his visit.
Writing on social media, Dmitriev said “maybe” in a post in which he shared a link to the CNN report.
Witkoff has previously traveled to Russia to meet Putin.
Europe and Kyiv fear the Trump administration could strike a deal with Moscow on Ukraine or lift sanctions on the Russian economy in a bid to force a ceasefire on terms favorable to Russia.
