Ukraine-Russia war live: Putin envoy claims ‘significant progress’ towards ceasefire in US talks
The United States and Russia have made “significant progress” on a potential ceasefire in Ukraine, Kremlin envoy Kirill Dmitriev said after talks with officials from Donald Trump’s administration in Washington on 2 and 3 April.
Mr Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, said the “constructive and respectful” discussions also covered reviving economic ties, Arctic cooperation, rare earth metals, and restoring direct flights.
He claimed American firms were “ready to occupy the niches left by European companies that left the Russian Federation”, without providing specific details. US officials are yet to comment on those claims.
The talks came amid reports that Mr Trump’s inner circle was advising him against a call with Vladimir Putin until the Russian president commits to a full ceasefire with Ukraine
.According to an NBC report, the officials were concerned Mr Trump could suddenly decide he wants to talk to Mr Putin, regardless of their guidance. The US president had told the outlet on Sunday he planned to talk to the Russian president this week.
