On October 24, Kirill Dmitriev, Putin’s special representative for investment and economic cooperation, landed in Washington to continue U.S.–Russian dialogue, echoing President Putin’s claim that Russia’s resources, army and ideas are running out.
Arrival in Washington
On October 24, Kirill Dmitriev arrived in Washington as Putin’s special representative for investment and economic cooperation and chief of the Russian Direct Investment Fund. He said the visit was intended to continue a U.S.–Russian dialogue that had been scheduled for some time at the invitation of the American side. Dmitriev emphasized that such dialogue is extremely important for the world and must continue with full understanding of Russia’s positions and respect for its national interests.
Earlier, U.S. House Representative Anna Paulina Luna had indicated that the two countries do not have to be enemies and that a trade alliance benefits all.
Sanctions and Oil Prices
During an interview with CNN on October 22, Dmitriev said the sanctions imposed by the United States on Russia’s largest oil exporters, Rosneft and Lukoil, were not a problem and that oil prices would soon rise, benefiting Russia. Reuters reported that Chinese state oil companies PetroChina, Sinopec, CNOOC and Zhenhua Oil halted maritime trade of Russian oil, a move that may counter the sanctions.
Mark Rutte, the Dutch Prime Minister, said at a press conference in London that Putin’s money, army and ideas are running out.
Ceasefire Talks in Ukraine
According to unverified Reuters reports, European countries are currently discussing a ceasefire along the front line with Ukraine. The Russian spokesman for President Putin said that Zelensky’s recent admission that the front line is the battlefield brings Moscow closer to a diplomatic solution. He noted that Russia had previously called for a complete withdrawal, and that we are close to a solution. However, Zelensky has said that Ukraine will not surrender occupied territories and is ready for diplomatic steps but not to give up land.
EU Financing Plan
An article titled ‘FAS’ indicates that the European Union will finance Putin’s war until 2027.
