Putin's envoy: US-Russia relations are gaining 'positive momentum'.
On April 3, Russian President Vladimir Putin's special envoy for investment, Kirill Dmitriev, said he saw a "positive momentum" in relations between Moscow and Washington, although more meetings were needed to resolve differences.
Speaking to both Russian and American media outlets after talks with officials in President Donald Trump's administration, Dmitriev also said that he saw prospects for beginning a solution to the war that has lasted more than three years in Ukraine.
He said his talks in Washington covered a range of issues, including the production of rare earth metals, cooperation in the Arctic, and even crewed travel to Mars. He added that work is underway to restore direct flights between the two countries.
Dmitriev's visit to Washington followed US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia and a US-brokered agreement on ceasefires against energy targets and freedom of navigation in the Black Sea.
"Without a doubt, we see a positive momentum in our relationship," Russian news agencies quoted him as telling reporters in Washington. "A series of meetings will still be needed for us to resolve all the differences. But the important thing is that we see a positive, constructive attitude."
"We see very clearly that the current administration intends to address the issues, quite differently from the Joe Biden administration. They show a very respectful attitude, ask many questions, and seek compromises," he added.
Dmitriev told CNN that he saw prospects for a diplomatic solution to the war in Ukraine under the Trump administration.
“I think that, with the Trump administration, we are now entering a phase of thinking about what is feasible, what might actually work, and how to find a long-term solution,” Dmitriev said. “I think a long-term solution is necessary, because we are also thinking about global security, how to ensure that Russia’s security concerns are taken into account.”
He said that progress had been made thanks to talks in Saudi Arabia and the work of US special envoy Steve Witkoff.
U.S. officials said that Witkoff, Trump's special envoy and the lead figure in the administration's contacts with the Kremlin, invited Dmitriev to the U.S. last week.
Filling the gaps left by Europe
According to Russian news agencies, Dmitriev said that American companies are interested in the Russian market and “want to fill the gaps left by European companies. We see that the ideological limitations that still exist in European companies could help American companies seize a range of opportunities.”
According to the official, discussions have also expanded to include Arctic development, rare earth metals, and other areas “where we can build positive and innovative relationships.”
He told Newsmax that Russia had “officially said that we want to cooperate with Elon Musk on a mission to Mars, because we believe that Russia possesses some nuclear technology that could be useful.”
According to Russian news agencies, Dmitriev stated that "work is underway to restore direct flights and we hope to see progress on this issue."
Earlier, in a post on the Telegram messaging app, Dmitriev said that there were unidentified forces trying to sow tension between Russia and the United States.
"Currently, there are many forces seeking to maintain tension that are hindering the restoration of constructive cooperation... These forces are deliberately distorting Russia's position, attempting to disrupt all progress towards dialogue, sparing no expense or resources to do so," Dmitriev wrote.
"Those who oppose rapprochement fear that Russia and the United States will find common ground, understand each other better, and build cooperation on both international and economic issues," he said.
Restoring dialogue is “a difficult and gradual process. But each meeting, each frank conversation helps us move forward,” according to Dmitriev.
