Kirill Dmitriev, Special Representative of the Russian President for Economic Cooperation with Foreign Countries and Head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's words "approaching a diplomatic solution" in a statement on CNN.
Dmitriev emphasized that Zelenskyy's words about ending the war on the front lines represent a serious turning point in political rhetoric in recent months. He believes that while the Ukrainian leader previously demanded the withdrawal of Russian troops from the entire territory, today he seems to be choosing a more prudent position.
"I believe that Russia, the US, and Ukraine are approaching a diplomatic solution. Zelenskyy's statement about the front line is a big and first real step," Dmitriev said in an interview with journalist Jake Tapper.
At the same time, he repeated Moscow's demands for "security guarantees" and emphasized that the interests of the Kremlin must be taken into account to stop the war.
Dmitriev was also asked about US President Donald Trump's decision to cancel the planned meeting with Vladimir Putin in Budapest. The Russian representative replied that "the meeting will happen anyway, only later." According to him, "it is important not to stop the dialogue with Russia, but to continue it."
Trump also emphasized in his speeches that "conversations with Putin are beneficial, but they are not yielding sufficient results."
At the same time, Dmitriev said that the US and Russia are discussing the issue of continuing the exchange of prisoners. According to him, this is "not a typical diplomatic process," but an important step towards restoring trust between the two countries.
Moscow, however, rejected the proposal to "immediately freeze" the fighting along the front line in Ukraine before Dmitriev's visit. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov assessed this view as "contrary to the agreements reached in Alaska" and emphasized that such a decision "will strengthen the territories under the Nazi regime."
According to analysts, Zelenskyy's latest statement has also generated interest in Western political circles. His statement that "the situation on the front can be resolved diplomatically" is seen as a sign of possible easing of the Ukrainian position.
At the same time, the Russian side has not yet taken concrete practical steps. Dmitriev's statement that "there can be no peace without cooperation" indicates the Kremlin's intention to participate in this process only on its own terms.
Political observers assess these statements as a stage of "verbal pressure" in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. According to them, Zelenskyy's considerations in this direction may not be for peace, but rather a diplomatic maneuver before receiving new aid packages from Western countries.
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