Amid the differences between Russia and the United States on trade front, President Vladimir Putin’s aide and Russia’s top economic envoy Kirill Dmitriev, stated that Russia is aiming for a “final solution” to the war in Ukraine and not merely a ceasefire. His remark came in an interview with CNN on Friday, where he hinted that Moscow, Washington, and Kyiv are now “reasonably close to a diplomatic solution.”
Dmitriev on solution to Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Dmitriev, currently in the United States for meetings with American officials, stated that the ongoing discussions aim to achieve lasting peace and prevent further conflict between Russia and Ukraine. “Russia really wants not just a ceasefire, but the final solution to the conflict,” Dmitriev said, adding that ceasefires are often short-lived because “many people can use it to do all sorts of rearmament and preparation for continuation of the conflict.”
Russian Envoy on US Sanctions
He further expressed optimism about Trump’s mediation efforts, emphasising that he believes dialogue is the only path to peace. “I think dialogue is important. Only through dialogue can conflicts be solved,” added Dmitriev. He also highlighted that understanding Russia’s security concerns is key to reaching a settlement. “Sanctions are not a big issue,” he said, pointing out that Putin had noted Russia would not act under pressure and that Western sanctions would only push oil prices higher globally.
“Sanctions are really not such a big issue. President Putin mentioned yesterday two points. He said Russia will never act under pressure. And secondly, those sanctions will just lift oil prices in the world, will result in high gasoline prices in the US, and Russia will be just selling maybe less oil at a higher price. So I think the real issue is just how to continue dialogue, how to have a peaceful resolution to the crisis, while really having realistic solutions, rather than pushing forward unrealistic solutions,” Dmitriev stated.
Notably, Dmitriev is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Whitkoff, in Miami on Saturday, reported CNN.
