Putin's Special Envoy Visiting US: "Achievements in US-Russia Relations Improvement... Further Discussions Needed"

Kirill Dmitriev, Head of RDIF
Discusses Rare Earths, Arctic Cooperation, and Restoration of Direct Flights
"Confirms 'Positive Dynamic' Between the Two Countries"

Kirill Dmitriev, Special Envoy for Overseas Investment and Economic Cooperation of Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, and CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF). Photo by Reuters Yonhap News.

Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and special envoy for overseas investment and economic cooperation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is visiting the United States, stated on the 3rd (local time) that there have been achievements in improving bilateral relations, but further discussions are necessary.

According to AFP and Reuters, Special Envoy Dmitriev told Russian media that he discussed cooperation with the Donald Trump administration in various fields, including rare earth development and Arctic cooperation, and that work is underway to restore direct flight routes between the two countries.

He added, "Of course, there are disagreements in various aspects, but procedures are (in progress) and dialogue is ongoing. As far as we know, this will help resolve such disagreements."

Special Envoy Dmitriev confirmed a "positive dynamic" between the U.S. and Russia but said more discussions will be needed to narrow differences. He stated, "A series of meetings will still be necessary to resolve all differences (between the two countries), but the most important thing is a positive and creative attitude."

He also said, "We clearly know that the Trump administration, unlike the Joe Biden administration, has the willingness to resolve issues," adding, "They show deep respect, ask many questions, and seek compromises."

Regarding the Ukraine war, Special Envoy Dmitriev acknowledged that differences with the Trump administration still exist but said a diplomatic solution to end the war in Ukraine is possible.

Earlier, Special Envoy Dmitriev announced on his Telegram channel that "on April 2-3, under President Putin's instructions, I am holding meetings with representatives of the Trump administration in Washington." He is the highest-ranking Russian official to visit the United States since the outbreak of the Ukraine war in 2022. It is reported that the U.S. temporarily lifted sanctions on Dmitriev, who is a sanctioned individual, to facilitate this visit.