Kremlin says visit of senior Russian negotiator to US ‘possible’

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - The Kremlin on Wednesday said a visit by a senior Russian negotiator to the US is “possible,” responding to media reports about the official’s expected to visit Washington later this week.

CNN reported that Kirill Dmitriev, Russia’s special envoy for foreign investment and economic cooperation, is expected to visit Washington this week to meet US special envoy Steve Witkoff for discussions on bilateral relations, citing a US official and two sources familiar with the plans.

“Yes, I confirm that such a visit is possible. We continue our communication with the Americans through various channels. I cannot tell you anything more specific,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow.

Contacts between Russia and the US continue to end the Ukraine war and normalize relations.

Peskov denied that US President Donald Trump’s expected visit to Saudi Arabia in May had any connections with contacts with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying there was no consensus yet on the date and time of a possible meeting between the two leaders.

However, he confirmed that the dates and venue of an upcoming summit between Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping in May had been agreed upon.

“The agenda is currently being worked out. The most active preparations for this summit are underway. We will inform you about everything in a timely manner,” he said.

In February, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Putin and Xi will exchange visits for celebrations commemorating the 80th anniversary of World War II victory.