Putin Special Envoy "Meeting with US Government Representative in Washington"

Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia's special envoy, visited Washington D.C., USA, to discuss ways to improve bilateral relations with the Donald Trump administration, according to a statement on the 3rd (local time).

Kiril Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and Putin's special envoy for foreign investment and economic cooperation, wrote on Telegram that "from April 2 to 3, under the direction of President Putin, I am holding meetings in Washington with representatives of the Trump administration."

Special envoy Dmitriev is the highest-ranking Russian official to visit the United States since Russia launched its "special military operation" in Ukraine in February 2022. It is reported that the U.S. temporarily lifted sanctions on Dmitriev, who was previously a sanctioned individual, to facilitate this visit.

Kirill Dmitriev, Special Envoy of President Putin. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Dmitriev pointed out, "Dialogue between Russia and the United States is important for the entire world, but it completely collapsed during the administration of former U.S. President Joe Biden," adding, "Even now, there are numerous forces obstructing the process of restoring constructive cooperation."

He further stated, "There are forces that fear Russia and the United States finding common ground, better understanding each other, and building cooperation on international issues and in the economic sector." Additionally, he expressed hope by saying, "Restoring dialogue is a difficult and gradual process, but we can move forward through every meeting and honest conversation."

Earlier, major U.S. media outlets reported on the 2nd that Dmitriev arrived in Washington and began meetings with Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy for the Middle East.

The day before, Dmitriev posted on social media platform X a photo of the flight path landing in Washington D.C., stating, "Regardless of your political views, dialogue between the United States and Russia is important. It is about building a safer and more prosperous world for everyone."