According to Russian representative Kirill Dmitriev, Moscow, Kyiv, and Washington are “quite close” to reaching an agreement that could bring an end to the war in Ukraine.
As reported by Politico, Kirill Dmitriev, the special presidential representative for investment and economic cooperation, noted that in recent days there has been “a real shift” in the diplomatic positions of the parties involved.
“It’s a serious move by President Zelenskyy to acknowledge that it’s about the front lines,” Dmitriev told CNN on Friday evening. “Previously, his position was that Russia should completely withdraw. So, in my view, we are reasonably close to a diplomatic solution that could be formalized.”
Earlier, on Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that freezing the conflict along the current front lines could be ‘a good compromise.’ The remark sparked significant reaction in European capitals and in Washington, where the idea of a ceasefire that cements Russian territorial gains had long been rejected.
Nevertheless, Kyiv and its European allies reiterated on Friday that “borders cannot be changed by force.” According to Politico, Moscow has in turn demanded additional territorial concessions from Ukraine before agreeing to any potential ceasefire.
Dmitriev to Meet Trump’s Envoy
Kirill Dmitriev is set to meet on Saturday in Florida with Steve Witkoff — the special representative of President Donald Trump — to discuss possible solutions to the conflict.
Shortly thereafter, a second in-person meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin may take place, the outlet reports. Preliminary discussions suggest that the talks could be held at a summit in Budapest.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has offered to host the meeting, confirmed on Saturday that “the issue remains on the agenda.”
“The timing is uncertain, but the meeting will happen,” Orbán emphasized while commenting on the potential Moscow–Washington negotiations.
Background: Strikes on Kyiv
Meanwhile, Russian attacks on Ukraine continue. According to Reuters, two people were killed and 13 injured in strikes on Kyiv on Friday night.
Despite the ongoing hostilities, diplomatic sources in Europe and the United States note that the tone of statements from both sides has become softer. Whereas earlier this year both Moscow and Kyiv completely ruled out talks, they are now speaking about the possibility of a compromise — albeit one still far from a lasting peace.
Observers note that the first signs of readiness for negotiation mark an important shift in the dynamics of the conflict. If the contacts between representatives of Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump indeed lead to concrete agreements, it could become the first step toward ending the most devastating war in Europe since World War II.
This article was prepared based on materials published by Politico. The author does not claim authorship of the original text but presents their interpretation of the content for informational purposes.
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