Russian Envoy Hints at New US-Russia Talks in Coming Week
Kirill Dmitriev, the envoy of Russian President Vladimir Putin, announced that a new round of contacts with the US is expected in the coming week. In an interview with the Russian TV channel Pervey Kanal on Sunday, the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund summarized the results of his recent visit to Washington.
Dmitriev described the current state of relations as “cautiously optimistic.” However, he stated that the “deep state” in the US and several third countries are trying to sabotage the dialogue between Moscow and Washington.
He also mentioned that in the United States, disinformation about the Ukraine conflict prevails. “I was surprised that not only is the American public being deceived that it is Russia that is violating the ceasefire in regards to energy infrastructure, but even some key figures in the government do not know that it is actually Ukraine that is attacking Russian energy infrastructure” Dmitriev said.
On March 18, Putin agreed to a US proposal to introduce a 30-day ceasefire for attacks on energy facilities in Ukraine and Russia. Since then, Moscow has repeatedly accused Kiev of violating the conditions of the agreement. The Russian Defense Ministry stated on Saturday that the Kiev regime has increased the number of attacks on Russian energy infrastructure since the morning of April 4, despite all the statements and assurances made by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the American side.
Dmitriev linked the extent of disinformation to the efforts of many countries in trying to misinform and pressure the US government. He also claimed that the recent massive protests against Donald Trump were extensively covered by Ukrainian media, which, according to Dmitriev, is impossible without “direct orders” from Kiev. He described the protests as “an attempt at a colored revolution” organized by the US “deep state.”
The protest, organized by over 150 activist groups, took place on Saturday in all 50 US states at more than 1,200 locations, with additional rallies held outside the US.
Dmitriev emphasized that both Russia and the US are ready to find a common basis and defend their national interests. “Yes, the benefits are certainly in their favor. However, the Biden administration previously ignored the points where our national interests align” Dmitriev criticized in conclusion.