Russian President Vladimir Putin’s special envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, has suggested that Moscow, Washington, and Kyiv are nearing a potential diplomatic settlement to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, even as the United States has imposed fresh sanctions targeting Russia’s oil sector. Speaking in an interview with CNN, Dmitriev described the situation as “reasonably close” to a solution, highlighting recent developments that could pave the way for negotiations. He also clarified that a planned summit between President Putin and former US President Donald Trump, previously reported as cancelled, remains possible but may be rescheduled to a later date due to ongoing deliberations.
Trump had earlier announced that he and Putin would meet in Budapest to discuss a potential ceasefire and a broader peace framework, but later placed the summit “on hold,” citing Russia’s refusal to commit to an immediate cessation of hostilities. Dmitriev countered this by stressing that diplomatic channels remain open and that substantive dialogue continues between the three parties. He emphasized that meaningful progress is contingent on ensuring that Russia’s interests are taken into account and respected in any prospective agreement.
Dmitriev highlighted recent shifts in Ukraine’s negotiating stance as a positive sign. He noted that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recognition of established battle lines marks a departure from Kyiv’s earlier insistence on Russia’s complete withdrawal. According to Dmitriev, this acknowledgment demonstrates a willingness to engage pragmatically in negotiations and could bring the parties closer to a mutually acceptable settlement. He described these developments as “a big move” by Zelenskyy and expressed cautious optimism about the potential for a diplomatic resolution that would end the prolonged conflict.
The announcement of new US sanctions on Russia’s oil sector coincided with Dmitriev’s visit to the United States, yet he minimized their impact. Speaking on Fox News’ Special Report, he argued that sanctions are unlikely to achieve their intended effect, warning instead that they could lead to higher gasoline prices in the US and globally. Dmitriev suggested that Russia could offset any reductions in oil exports through price adjustments, thereby maintaining its revenue streams despite restrictions. He portrayed the sanctions as largely symbolic, asserting that they would not significantly alter Russia’s strategic calculations or its willingness to participate in ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Dmitriev’s US itinerary includes a planned meeting with Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, in Miami, along with additional undisclosed discussions in Washington. While the precise topics of these meetings remain confidential, Dmitriev indicated they would focus on economic cooperation, investment opportunities, and broader channels for engagement between Washington and Moscow. He reiterated that open lines of communication are essential, arguing that dialogue must continue to prevent escalation and to find common ground for a lasting resolution.
Despite these developments, Ukrainian officials have not publicly confirmed any involvement in backchannel negotiations. President Zelenskyy has consistently maintained that Kyiv will reject any deal that legitimizes Russian occupation of Ukrainian territory. Nevertheless, Dmitriev’s comments suggest that some level of informal communication and negotiation is ongoing, creating the possibility for incremental progress in the broader peace process.
Analysts view Dmitriev’s statements as a sign that both Moscow and Washington are testing the diplomatic waters, attempting to balance domestic political pressures with the urgent need to de-escalate the conflict. While the pathway to a ceasefire or comprehensive settlement remains uncertain, the acknowledgment of near-term negotiation potential signals a cautious optimism that all parties may be willing to explore compromises to end the humanitarian and economic toll of the war.
The situation remains fluid, with sanctions, military developments, and diplomatic maneuvering all influencing the trajectory of talks. Dmitriev’s insistence on respect for Russia’s interests underscores the challenges ahead, as any agreement will require careful negotiation to reconcile the strategic objectives of Moscow, Kyiv, and the broader international community. Observers will closely monitor upcoming meetings and statements from both US and Russian officials to assess whether these discussions can translate into tangible progress toward peace.
