Steve Witkoff, an envoy for President Trump, will meet Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev at the White House, marking the first visit of a Russian official under the Biden administration. The meeting follows negotiations regarding the Ukraine conflict and comes amidst Trump’s expressed frustrations towards Putin’s comments about Ukraine.
Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s envoy, is scheduled to meet with Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev at the White House on Wednesday. This meeting marks the first visit of a Russian official to the White House during the current administration, as no Russian representatives engaged with the Biden administration. Reports indicate that the U.S. Treasury Department temporarily lifted sanctions to facilitate Dmitriev’s visa approval for this visit.
Witkoff, who was initially assigned to Middle Eastern affairs, has become a significant figure in negotiations. He previously met Dmitriev and other prominent Russian officials in Riyadh for ceasefire discussions related to the ongoing conflict stemming from the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Notably, Witkoff traveled to Russia in February, leading to the release of American citizen Marc Fogel.
In a recent interview, Witkoff mentioned having a productive three-hour dialogue with President Vladimir Putin. In the same context, Dmitriev, head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, indicated expectations for American companies to reintegrate into the Russian market this year contingent upon successful negotiation outcomes. Witkoff acknowledged that while he did not specifically discuss these prospects with Putin, there is a general expectation for American corporate engagement following any peace agreement.
This forthcoming meeting occurs shortly after Mr. Trump expressed his displeasure regarding Putin’s comments about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, describing him as not a legitimate leader. Mr. Trump conveyed his stance stating, “I was pissed off about it… if I think it was Russia’s fault, I’m going to put secondary sanctions on Russia.”
In conclusion, the meeting between Steve Witkoff and Kirill Dmitriev signifies a key diplomatic engagement, marking the reinvigorated communication between the United States and Russia. With Witkoff’s previous interactions with Russian officials and Trump’s recent statements, this meeting could influence the dynamics of U.S.-Russia relations amid ongoing tensions stemming from the conflict in Ukraine. The potential for American corporate re-engagement with Russia remains under consideration, depending on the outcomes of these diplomatic efforts.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
