Putin envoy says Russia, US and Ukraine 'close to diplomatic solution'

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s special envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, said that Moscow, Washington and Kyiv are "reasonably close" to reaching a diplomatic settlement to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. Dmitriev's comments came as tensions between the United States and Russia heightened over fresh US sanctions targeting Moscow’s oil sector.

In an interview with CNN, Dmitriev said a planned meeting between Putin and US President Donald Trump had not been cancelled, contrary to Trump’s earlier remarks, but would "probably take place at a later date".

Trump had previously announced that he and Putin were set to meet in Budapest to discuss a possible ceasefire and peace framework, but later said the summit was "on hold" due to a lack of progress in negotiations. The US President cited Russia’s refusal to accept an immediate ceasefire as the main reason for postponing the talks.

However, Dmitriev has stressed that diplomatic engagement remains active. "The Russia–US dialogue will continue," he said, "but it is certainly only possible if Russia’s interests are taken into account and treated with respect."

Dmitriev said that diplomatic progress may be closer than previously believed.

"I believe Russia and the US and Ukraine are actually quite close to a diplomatic solution," he said. "It’s a big move by President Zelenskyy to already acknowledge that it’s about battle lines. You know, his previous position was that Russia should leave completely -- so actually, I think we are reasonably close to a diplomatic solution that can be worked out."

SANCTIONS WON’T DERAIL TALKS, SAYS DMITRIEV

Dmitriev arrived in the United States as Washington unveiled new sanctions on two of Russia’s biggest oil firms.

Appearing later on Fox News’ Special Report, Dmitriev dismissed the impact of the sanctions and warned that they could backfire economically. "They will only lead to gasoline costing more at American gas stations," he said, adding that higher global oil prices could offset Russia’s losses.

"We do not believe these sanctions will have a significant impact," Dmitriev said. "Oil prices will rise, and Russia will sell fewer barrels — but at a higher price."

According to Axios, Dmitriev is expected to meet Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, in Miami on Saturday and will also hold additional undisclosed meetings in Washington. He declined to provide details but said discussions would focus on "economic cooperation and investment".

Despite Washington’s hard line on sanctions, Dmitriev reiterated that open communication channels between the two countries remain essential. "It is only possible if Russia’s interests are treated with respect," he said.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials have not confirmed any direct involvement in backchannel negotiations. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has maintained that Kyiv will not accept any deal that legitimises Russian occupation.

- Ends

With inputs from agencies

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