Putin envoy, US officials hold discussions about restoring trade, direct flights - RT

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s investment envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, visited Washington on Thursday to discuss restoring normal business relations, as well as resumption of direct flights, RT reported.

Dmitriev is the highest Russian official to have traveled to the US since diplomatic contacts were suspended in 2022, according to RT.

Dmitriev, the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, previously participated in the Russian-US talks in Riyadh on February 18, where both sides agreed to start gradually normalizing the ties severed by the Biden administration.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday evening, Dmitriev noted that UN President Donald Trump and his team have a better understanding of Russia’s terms than his predecessor, former President Joe Biden.

“We are seeing absolutely clearly that, unlike President Biden, the Trump administration is determined to resolve the whole spectrum of bilateral issues,” the official said, according to RT.

“They are very respectful. They are listening to Russia’s position, and are understanding Russia’s concerns. They are asking a lot of questions and finding compromises,” he added. 

“Naturally, there are differences. But there is dialogue, which we believe will help to overcome these differences,” Dmitriev said.

The envoy said that he had discussions about restoring trade and normal business relations between the states. “Many American companies would like to replace European companies that have left Russia,” he said. Dmitriev stressed that Moscow is ready to work on business projects that would be beneficial to both countries, according to RT. 

He added that the sides have addressed potential cooperation in the Arctic and the development of rare-earth minerals. “We are actively working on the resumption of direct flights” between Russia and the US, he said. 

Dmitriev said that more rounds of talks will be needed to make a deal.