Russian President Vladimir Putin’s aide Kirill Dmitriev has said that Moscow, Washington, and Kyiv are “quite close” to reaching a diplomatic breakthrough to end the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Speaking to CNN after arriving in Washington for meetings with US officials, Dmitriev insisted that a summit between Putin and US President Donald Trump had not been cancelled, contrary to earlier statements from Trump.
“The two leaders will likely meet at a later date,” Dmitriev said, adding that dialogue remains active despite new US sanctions on Russia’s energy sector.
Trump-Putin summit postponed, not cancelled
The much-anticipated meeting between Trump and Putin in Budapest was put on hold earlier this week. Trump cited Russia’s refusal to agree to an immediate ceasefire as a reason for the delay, saying the timing “wasn’t right.”
However, Dmitriev rejected the notion of a breakdown in diplomacy, hinting that backchannel discussions are ongoing. “I believe Russia, the US, and Ukraine are actually quite close to a diplomatic solution,” he said.
While he did not specify what such a deal might involve, he praised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s latest position acknowledging battle lines as part of potential ceasefire talks.
Europe Pushes for Ceasefire Framework
According to European diplomats quoted by Reuters, EU nations are preparing a new ceasefire proposal aligned with existing ideas — one that keeps the US engaged as a central mediator.
“It’s a big move by President Zelenskiy to already acknowledge that it’s about battle lines,” Dmitriev noted, suggesting this shift could help bridge gaps between warring parties.
Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and despite repeated mediation attempts, large-scale hostilities have continued, leaving millions displaced and thousands dead.
Sanctions and strategic meetings
Dmitriev’s visit to the US comes just days after Washington announced new sanctions on two major Russian oil companies, a move aimed at increasing pressure on Moscow.
Despite the sanctions, the Kremlin envoy emphasized that “dialogue between Russia and the United States will continue,” warning that US measures could “backfire” by raising gasoline prices at American pumps.
Axios reported that Dmitriev is expected to meet Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff in Miami on Saturday, while Russia’s state media agency TASS confirmed he will also hold other undisclosed meetings.
The potential breakthrough remains fragile, with Moscow still demanding territorial concessions from Ukraine before any ceasefire agreement. Meanwhile, Washington continues to link sanctions relief to Russia’s withdrawal from occupied territories.
Analysts warn that while Dmitriev’s remarks signal hope, progress will depend on political will and concrete steps toward de-escalation.
