Efforts to Disrupt US-Russia Diplomatic Engagements Identified by Putin's Envoy
Kirill Dmitriev, the investment envoy for President Vladimir Putin, has indicated that various nations are actively attempting to obstruct the improvement of relations between Russia and the United States. Dmitriev made these remarks during a rare visit to Washington, where he engaged with senior US officials.
During a press briefing, he stated that there are ongoing efforts to undermine the dialogue aimed at restoring ties between the two countries. He emphasized that the negotiations are often accompanied by misinformation, including rumors and misinterpretations of quotes.
"Many parties appear to be invested in hindering the advancement of our relations," Dmitriev elaborated, noting that he perceives a coordinated media campaign aimed at distorting Russia's statements and fostering distrust. He asserted that such attempts to misrepresent the facts occur regularly.
To counteract this disinformation, he advocated for open and direct communication. Dmitriev highlighted the importance of dialogue in overcoming misunderstandings and promoting a more constructive relationship between the nations.
During his visit, Dmitriev reportedly met with Steve Witkoff, who served as former President Trump's envoy for the Middle East and has been actively involved in negotiations concerning Ukraine. Additionally, he held discussions with Republican Senators Lindsey Graham and Markwayne Mullin.
The primary topics of discussion included strategies to gradually restore cooperation that had been disrupted following the Biden administration's policies in 2022. Dmitriev pointed out that the agenda encompassed potential collaboration in the Arctic region, the development of rare-earth minerals, and the possibility of reinstating direct flights between the two nations.
In the context of these discussions, political figures from the European Union and Ukraine have voiced their concerns about the resumption of negotiations with Moscow. Kaja Kallas, the EU's chief diplomat, recently stated that Russia's reliability is questionable. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky expressed in February that Trump might be ensnared in a "disinformation bubble" regarding Russia.
Trump has previously criticized Zelensky regarding the conflict, while his Ukraine advisor, Keith Kellogg, has suggested that the EU should be excluded from the negotiation process.
