Russian President Vladimir Putin's investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev met with U.S. officials in Washington on Wednesday as the Trump administration continues to press Russia and Ukraine to agree to a ceasefire, two U.S. officials familiar with the matter said.
Dmitriev, a Stanford-educated former Goldman Sachs investment banker, is one of the most U.S.-savvy members of Russia's elite, with close relations to some key members of the Trump team. He is the highest-ranking Russian official to travel to the U.S. on state business since Russia's 2022 expanded invasion of Ukraine.
It was not clear what Dmitriev discussed with the U.S. officials.
But his visit comes after President Donald Trump expressed his frustration with the pace of ceasefire talks, saying on Sunday he was "pissed off" with Putin and raising the possibility of imposing sanctions on those who buy Russian crude. Russia is the world's second largest exporter of crude after Saudi Arabia.
Steve Witkoff, a Trump envoy who has taken the lead on the Trump administration's contacts with the Kremlin, invited Dmitriev to the United States last week, said the U.S. officials. The White House directed the State Department to issue a short-term license for Dmitriev to travel to the country, a necessary step as Dmitriev faces U.S. sanctions, the officials said.
Dmitriev may be key in repairing relations that were, until Trump's January inauguration, the worst between Moscow and Washington since the most dangerous junctures of the Cold War.
The Russian envoy played a role in early contacts with the U.S. when Trump was first elected president in 2016, as well as in building relations with Saudi Arabia, which led to an oil price agreement under the expanded OPEC+ producers' forum.
On Wednesday, the Trump administration notably did not include Russia on an expansive list of countries that will face major new tariffs. Ukraine was slapped with a 10% levy, according to a fact sheet released by the White House.
Trump has expressed frustration with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who he said was trying to renegotiate a minerals deal.
Over recent weeks, Dmitriev has mentioned a host of initiatives in which Russia and the United States could work together, from investment, rare earths and energy to the Arctic, space and cooperation with Elon Musk.
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EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas confirmed that the bloc will continue targeting Russia’s war economy, with a new sanctions package expected by next month, while emphasizing the need for strong security guarantees for Ukraine.
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed hope that Vladimir Putin would advance toward ending the war in Ukraine, while acknowledging that the Russian leader may refuse to strike a deal, creating a “rough situation” for Moscow.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer led a virtual meeting which included over 30 international leaders on Tuesday morning of what is known as ‘coalition of the willing’.
Speaking after Monday’s Washington summit, European Council President Antonio Costa has stressed that Ukraine’s EU membership process must move forward, while also calling for Europe’s direct involvement in future peace talks alongside Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S.
A powerful eruption at Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano sent an ash plume more than 3,000 metres high on Sunday morning, prompting safety warnings from authorities.
According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck the Oaxaca region of Mexico on Saturday.
Honduras has brought back mask mandates as COVID-19 cases and a new variant surge nationwide.
The UK is gearing up for Exercise Pegasus 2025, its largest pandemic readiness test since COVID-19. Running from September to November, this full-scale simulation will challenge the country's response to a fast-moving respiratory outbreak.
Kuwait says oil prices will likely stay below $72 per barrel as OPEC monitors global supply trends and U.S. policy signals. The remarks come during market uncertainty fueled by new U.S. tariffs on India and possible sanctions on Russia.
China will hold a major military parade in central Beijing on 3 September to mark 80 years since Japan's surrender in World War Two, showcasing new weaponry and air power amid rising regional tensions.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has mobilised 4.5 million civilian fighters in response to a major U.S. military deployment near Latin America and the Caribbean.
Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, accused Seoul and its president of having a “dual personality,” criticising their commitment to peace while carrying out joint exercises with the United States, according to state media KCNA on Wednesday.
A Ukrainian drone strike late Tuesday cut power to areas of Russia-held Zaporizhzhia region, officials said, during ongoing attacks in southeastern Ukraine.
India and China announced on Tuesday plans to resume direct flights and enhance trade and investment as they cautiously rebuild ties following their 2020 border clash, though key border issues remain unresolved.
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