Kirill Dmitriev, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s special envoy for investment and economic cooperation, confirmed on Sunday that he has been holding direct talks with senior members of U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration during a visit to Washington.
“We have been negotiating with representatives of the U.S. administration for the third consecutive day while in the United States,” Dmitriev said on Telegram. “Any attempts to put pressure on Russia are simply pointless.”
A Stanford-educated former Goldman Sachs banker, Dmitriev is widely regarded as one of the most U.S.-savvy members of Russia’s business elite and maintains close ties with several figures in the Trump administration.
🛢️ Talks Amid Heightened Tensions
The visit comes days after Washington imposed sanctions on Russia’s two largest oil companies, a move that sent global oil prices soaring nearly 5% before moderating on renewed skepticism about enforcement.
President Putin responded firmly, saying Moscow would “never bow to external pressure” and warned of an “overwhelming response” to any foreign military escalation.
📈 Economic Outlook & Diplomacy
Dmitriev stated that Russia’s economy remains in stable condition with low debt levels, emphasizing the need for transparent communication with U.S. counterparts.
He highlighted that while Russia’s economy contracted 1.4% in 2022, it rebounded strongly — growing 4.1% in 2023 and 4.3% in 2024, outperforming G7 averages. For 2025, growth is forecasted at around 1%.
“We confirm that a solution to the Ukrainian conflict is possible only if the root causes of this conflict are eradicated,” Dmitriev added.
🕊️ Analysis
Despite ongoing sanctions and political pressure, Dmitriev’s continued engagement with Washington signals that economic diplomacy remains a potential bridge between two deeply divided nations.