Kirill Dmitriev discusses reviving Russia-US relations with Trump administration

Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and Special Envoy of the President, addressed the revitalization of relations between Moscow and Washington, the development of economic partnership, and cooperation in the Arctic during his visit to the US, where he met with officials from the Donald Trump administration.

Dmitriev shared details of his visit at a press conference in Moscow following his meetings with US officials.

According to Vedomosti newspaper, Dmitriev stated, “For the past two days, on the instructions of President [Vladimir] Putin, I have been holding meetings here in Washington with key members of the [Donald] Trump administration.”

Emphasizing that the meetings were highly proactive, Dmitriev noted that the two-day negotiations allowed both countries to “advance three steps forward.”

Dmitriev said, “I can say that in the last two days, we have moved three steps forward on many issues,” and added, “However, of course, a) many issues have accumulated, and b) there has essentially been no communication between Russia and the US for three years. Therefore, the dialogue and resolution process will take some time, but it is definitely progressing positively and constructively.”

Dmitriev noted that one of the main agenda items of his meetings in Washington was the re-establishment of relations between Moscow and Washington.

Dmitriev claimed that numerous global actors and different countries are trying to prevent this dialogue and the re-establishment of Russia-US relations, and are also trying to disrupt the resolution of outstanding issues.

In addition, Dmitriev said that a coordinated campaign is being conducted in the media, and various politicians are attempting to undermine relations between Russia and the US.

“We see attempts to distort Russia’s words, to portray Russia or its leaders in a bad light. This happens on a large scale every day,” Dmitriev said, adding, “But what is very important is that the best way to combat this disinformation is through direct dialogue.”

On the other hand, Dmitriev emphasized that the current administration is determined to resolve geopolitical issues. According to him, the administration is listening to Russia’s position on many issues.

“What distinguishes the Trump administration is that, unlike President Biden, it listens to Russia’s position and understands Russia’s concerns,” Dmitriev said, adding, “Of course, there are disagreements on various issues, but in our understanding, there is a process, a dialogue, that will help overcome these disagreements.”

Dmitriev also stated that the Trump administration and key figures within it are focused on resolving the full range of Russia-US relations.

Dmitriev assessed, “They are behaving in an extremely respectful manner, they understand Russia’s position, they ask many questions, and they find ways to compromise. This is the constructive spirit that has been established.”

Dmitriev reported that various investment and economic issues were discussed during the meetings with US officials.

“We see a great desire among American companies to return to Russia,” Dmitriev said, noting that more than 150 American companies are currently operating in the Russian Federation, and more than 70% of them have been in the market for over 25 years.

Dmitriev added, “We see that many American companies want to fill the niches left by European companies. We see that such ideological restrictions among European Union countries may allow American companies to fill some niches.”

He emphasized that this will only be carried out where it is beneficial for Russia, approved by the Russian government, and where joint ventures with Russian companies will be established, stating that the clear priority is the work of Russian business and Russian companies.

Additionally, Dmitriev said that the parties discussed possible cooperation in the Arctic and on rare earth elements, and various other sectors where the countries “can establish constructive and positive relations.”

Dmitriev added, “Yesterday, customs duties were imposed against a large number of countries. Russia was not included in the list of countries subject to customs duties, whereas customs duties were imposed against almost all countries.”

Dmitriev stated that the resumption of direct flights between Russia and the US was discussed, “Active work is underway to resume direct flights. We hope to make progress on this issue.”

At the same time, Dmitriev emphasized the importance of being invited to the US and expressed hope that other Russian representatives would also be invited.

The official added, “We invite our colleagues to Russia. This direct dialogue does not allow for distortions and makes it possible to discuss all key issues very directly and clearly.”

Commenting on the expectations of future meetings and negotiations, Dmitriev said, “There are some dates that have been set and are really being discussed, but I think that when I return to Russia, these final dates will also be confirmed.”

He also stated, “The dialogue is ongoing, and there will be many more important meetings with the participation of key managers and key technical experts from the Russian side.”

Dmitriev emphasized that a series of further meetings would be needed for the two countries to resolve all current disputes, and “But the main thing is that we see a positive, constructive attitude from the Trump administration and its key representatives.”

Dmitriev announced on April 3 that he met with representatives of the Trump administration in Washington on the instructions of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The RDIF CEO described the re-establishment of dialogue as “a complex and gradual process” and stated that “every meeting, every frank conversation ensures progress.”

On the same day, Reuters reported that Dmitriev met with Steve Witkoff, special envoy of the US President, in Washington.

The agency stated that it remained unclear exactly what Dmitriev discussed with US officials.

CNN reported on April 2 that US authorities had temporarily lifted sanctions against the RDIF CEO so that he could participate in the negotiations.

Witkoff had invited Dmitriev to the US. It was noted that this was the first visit by a high-ranking Russian official to Washington since 2022.