Dmitriev Flies to US Amid Rising US-Russia Tensions; US special envoy Steve Witkoff is set to meet in Washington with senior Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev, marking a crucial diplomatic effort to ease tensions between the two global powers. The meeting comes after President Donald Trump expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, warning of secondary tariffs on Russian oil buyers if Moscow refuses to agree to a ceasefire with Ukraine.
Trump’s Sharp Warning as Dmitriev Flies to US
In a rare display of public criticism, Trump told NBC News over the weekend that he was “pissed off” with Putin’s stance on Ukraine. He threatened secondary sanctions on nations purchasing Russian oil unless Moscow made tangible efforts toward a ceasefire. This unexpected outburst has placed additional pressure on ongoing negotiations, with US officials scrambling to secure meaningful concessions from Russia.
Who is Kirill Dmitriev? Why He Flies to US for Talks
Dmitriev, 49, heads Russia’s sovereign wealth fund and has played a pivotal role in facilitating dialogue between Washington and Moscow. A former Goldman Sachs investment banker educated at Stanford and Harvard, Dmitriev has close ties to Putin’s inner circle. His presence in Washington underscores potential avenues for economic cooperation, including joint projects in the Arctic and liquefied natural gas initiatives.
The White House National Security Council has declined to comment on the meeting, while CNN previously reported on Witkoff and Dmitriev’s planned discussions.
Dmitriev Flies to US as Ceasefire Hopes Fade
Recent US-Russia negotiations initially signaled progress, with talks of a partial truce in the Black Sea. However, Moscow’s insistence that any agreement include sanctions relief has derailed momentum. US officials have accused Russia of contradicting previous commitments, leading to renewed tensions.
Both Russia and Ukraine have blamed each other for violating partial ceasefire agreements, including attacks on key energy infrastructure. This continued escalation has left US diplomats struggling to secure a sustainable truce.
Trump’s Mixed Signals as Dmitriev Flies to US for Negotiations
Even as Trump issued a stern warning to Moscow, his stance appeared to soften on Monday. When speaking to reporters, he suggested that he still believes Putin may cooperate, stating, “I don’t want to go secondary tariffs on his oil, but I think, you know, something I would do if I thought he wasn’t doing the job.”
At the same time, Trump shifted his frustration toward Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, criticizing reports that Kyiv was seeking to renegotiate a natural resources partnership that the Trump administration had championed.
Bipartisan Senate Sanctions Push as Dmitriev Flies to US
A bipartisan coalition of 50 Republican and Democratic senators has introduced a new sanctions package targeting Russia if it refuses to engage in genuine ceasefire negotiations or breaches any eventual agreement. However, it remains uncertain how aggressively Trump would enforce such measures, given his fluctuating tone toward Moscow.
US Hopes for Easter Ceasefire Diminish as Dmitriev Flies to US
The White House initially aimed for a full ceasefire by Easter, but with ongoing hostilities and stalled negotiations, that prospect appears increasingly unlikely. Some US officials have begun to acknowledge that a peace deal between Moscow and Kyiv may not materialize shortly.
As the high-stakes meeting between Dmitriev and Witkoff unfolds, all eyes will be on Washington to see whether the discussions can yield a breakthrough or further entrench divisions between the two nations.
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