Russia-US talks to continue despite efforts to derail them
Dmitriev has been a prominent participant in Moscow's contacts with Washington. He was part of the Russian delegation that held meetings with US officials during previous rounds of dialogue under the administration of President Donald Trump.
In a Telegram post on Monday, Dmitriev insisted that 'constructive dialogue between Russia and the US is more effective than deliberately doomed attempts at pressure.'
He argued that the approach of former US President Joe Biden's administration had failed and was 'proven ineffective.'
Dmitriev also noted that talks between the two countries would continue regardless of 'titanic efforts' to undermine them. He did not elaborate which specific efforts he was referring to.
The Russian official stressed that mutual respect, realism, and economic cooperation are 'the foundation of global security and a sustainable world.'
Since returning to office, Trump has broken from his predecessor's policy of attempting to isolate Russia. He has re-established communications with Moscow and has held several phone calls with President Vladimir Putin.
Recently, however, Trump has expressed growing frustration over stalled Ukraine negotiations and has hinted at a potential policy shift on Russia. Last week, Trump said he would make an 'important announcement' on Monday regarding US-Russia relations.
He has also recently pledged additional support to Kiev, including Patriots – without clarifying whether he was speaking about air defense systems or ammunition for them.
US Senator Lindsey Graham has said the upcoming announcement will be 'very aggressive' and may involve offensive arms deliveries or new sanctions. He has also stated that the US Senate is looking to pass a sanctions bill that would allow Washington to impose 500% tariffs on nations that continue to trade with Russia. The bill would give Trump a 'sledgehammer' to use against Moscow, the hawkish senator said.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said Russia is 'carefully recording all the nuances' in Trump's statements and is awaiting the announcement to 'understand what President Trump meant.'
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