A top aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kirill Dmitriev, says Russia, the United States, and Ukraine may be close to reaching a diplomatic agreement to end the war in Ukraine.
He spoke to CNN after arriving in Washington for meetings with U.S. officials. Dmitriev also said that a planned meeting between Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump has not been cancelled, only postponed.
Trump-Putin Meeting Delayed
The meeting was supposed to take place in Budapest, but Trump delayed it, saying Russia had not agreed to an immediate ceasefire.
Dmitriev, however, said talks are still happening behind the scenes and that progress is being made.
He said that recent comments from Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, about using current front-line positions as the basis for ceasefire talks, could help move negotiations forward.
Europe Also Working on a Peace Plan
European countries are preparing a new ceasefire proposal, and the U.S. is expected to play an important role in these talks.
Sanctions Still an Issue
The U.S. recently placed new sanctions on two major Russian oil companies. Dmitriev warned these sanctions could raise gas prices in the U.S., but he said dialogue will continue anyway.
He is also expected to meet U.S. officials and Trump’s special envoy in the coming days.
Peace Still Uncertain
Even though the comments suggest progress, big disagreements remain:
- Russia wants Ukraine to give up some territory.
- The U.S. says sanctions will not be lifted unless Russia withdraws from occupied areas.
Experts say that while there is some hope for peace, real progress will require strong political commitment from all sides.
