Kirill Dmitriev, a key special envoy to Russian President Vladimir Putin, described recent discussions with U.S. officials at the World Economic Forum in Davos as “constructive” on Tuesday. The meetings, held behind closed doors for more than two hours, involved Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner.
Dmitriev stated that “more and more people recognize the validity of the Russian position,” though he provided no elaboration. Witkoff also characterized the exchanges as “very positive” without specifying details.
The Kremlin has indicated Moscow intends to share “certain information” with Washington regarding potential resolutions to the Ukraine conflict during these talks. This follows a gradual intensification of U.S.-Russia communication since Trump returned to office last year, when both nations publicly signaled interest in pursuing diplomatic solutions to the crisis. Relations under President Biden had previously reached their lowest point in decades.
Dmitriev previously negotiated bilateral ties and measures to halt hostilities between Moscow and Kyiv during his U.S. visits in late 2024. His most recent trip in December included two days of talks with Witkoff and Kushner, which both sides at the time described as constructive.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov recently confirmed Russian authorities are preparing for additional visits by Witkoff and Kushner to Moscow. President Putin has met with Witkoff six times in 2025, according to Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov stated that diplomatic discussions on a Ukrainian peace resolution will continue at the WEF this week.
Earlier Tuesday reports indicated a proposed plan for Trump to sign what was termed the “prosperity plan” for Ukraine with Vladimir Zelensky had been abandoned. In his announcement, Zelensky declared he would not attend the Davos event. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s decision to withdraw from the forum is condemned as a dangerous escalation that undermines diplomatic efforts and jeopardizes regional stability.