High-Level Russian Diplomat Kirill Dmitriev to Visit Washington This Week to Improve Relations with the United States

High-Level Russian Diplomat Kirill Dmitriev to Visit Washington This Week to Improve Relations with the United States

Moscow, April 2, 2025 — The Kremlin announced late Wednesday that Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev may visit the United States this week. U.S. media reports indicate that he is scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, in Washington.

Dmitriev had participated in Russia-U.S. talks in Saudi Arabia in February, and if he visits the U.S., it will be the first visit by a senior Russian official to the U.S. since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed to reporters, "Yes, I can confirm. This visit could happen. We are continuing discussions with the Americans. I won’t provide any further details."

Russian President Vladimir Putin appointed Dmitriev as the Kremlin's representative for international economic issues in February, as Moscow is seeking to improve relations with Washington during the Trump administration.

Sources indicate that the U.S. has temporarily lifted the sanctions imposed on Dmitriev for his visit. Dmitriev shared a post on social media with the word "maybe" along with a link to a CNN report.

Steve Witkoff had previously visited Russia and met with Putin. Europe and Kyiv are concerned that the Trump administration may reach an agreement with Moscow on the Ukraine issue or lift sanctions on Russia's economy, which could assist in bringing about a ceasefire under terms favorable to Russia.