The United States and Russia have made “significant progress” on a possible Ukraine ceasefire, Kremlin envoy Kirill Dmitriev has claimed, after two days of talks in Washington with officials from Donald Trump’s administration.
Mr Dmitriev, who heads the Russian Direct Investment Fund, said discussions were “constructive and respectful” and also touched on economic ties, Arctic cooperation, rare earth metals and restoring direct flights.
He said US firms were eager to replace European companies that had exited the Russian market, although he provided no further details. American officials have not yet responded to those assertions.
The talks came as figures in Mr Trump’s inner circle reportedly urged caution over any direct call with Russian President Vladimir Putin before a full ceasefire is secured.