Russian envoy: 'Three steps forward' as Moscow-U.S. dialogue advances

Russia’s special envoy for foreign investment and economic cooperation, Kirill Dmitriev, announced on Thursday that Moscow and Washington made “three steps forward” over the past two days in a series of high-level discussions aimed at mending ties.

Speaking on behalf of President Vladimir Putin during meetings in Washington with key members of the Trump administration, Dmitriev detailed progress on several fronts. Among the significant breakthroughs was the agreement to impose a moratorium on strikes on energy infrastructure between Russia and Ukraine—a move he described as “a first step in de-escalating the Ukrainian conflict.”

Dmitriev also revealed that efforts are underway to reinstate direct flights between Russia and the United States. “Active work is being carried out to restore direct flights,” he said, adding that this initiative is being actively pursued by the Russian embassy and the Foreign Ministry.

In addition to discussions on mending diplomatic relations, talks covered business cooperation and prospects for enhancing collaboration in the Arctic and in the mining of rare earth metals. Dmitriev noted that American businesses have expressed interest in filling gaps left by departing European firms in the Russian market, though such opportunities would depend on the Russian government’s approval and prioritize domestic enterprises.

Dmitriev acknowledged that external forces are attempting to disrupt the dialogue between Moscow and Washington, stressing that direct communication is crucial for uncovering truths and resolving disputes. He pointed out that the Trump administration has shown a deeper understanding of Russia’s perspective compared to previous U.S. leadership.

In a related note, Dmitriev commended US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose tariffs, interpreting the move as a demonstration of America’s commitment to independent economic growth. During an interview on Fox News, he described recent discussions on the Ukrainian settlement as “productive,” emphasizing that Trump’s team is dedicated to ensuring that Ukraine remains a strong negotiating partner.

Despite being subject to US sanctions, Dmitriev has received a temporary entry permit to participate in these negotiations. He hinted that further high-level meetings involving key Russian executives and technical experts are on the horizon, signaling a sustained effort to advance dialogue between Moscow and Washington.

The incremental progress reported by Dmitriev is being viewed as a positive step toward restoring communication and cooperation between the two powers, even as both sides navigate a complex and evolving geopolitical landscape.

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