Putin's envoy traveled not only to US: Zelenskyy explains what Kremlin planning
Photo: Kirill Dmitriev, envoy of the Kremlin leader (Getty Images)
The envoy of the Russian President, Kirill Dmitriev, visited not only the United States. He discussed the possibility of releasing Russia's frozen assets, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated this during a briefing.
He noted that Russia seeks the lifting of sanctions, especially European ones, as its economy heavily depends on such restrictions. However, Europe is not willing to take such a step.
According to Zelenskyy, he believes that the United States will also not lift sanctions on Russia, but rather will intensify the restrictions.
"The daily strikes are proof that strong sanctions measures against Putin are needed. This will force them to stop, at least to halt the active phase of this war — a ceasefire," he added.
The president also shared that Ukraine is aware of the reasons why Kremlin envoy Kirill Dmitriev visited Washington.
"He was not only in the US; we are monitoring the movements of our enemies. And the main issue is how to unfreeze $300 billion in assets. We know that they are offering certain countries to purchase various products, including high-tech goods, with this amount if these leaders can help them get these funds out. There are talks about aircraft construction and other matters," he said.
However, as Zelenskyy pointed out, Russian assets remain frozen in Europe, and Europe is not planning to release them.
The president also added that Russia is "running around" other countries with its agreement on minerals.
Dmitriev visited Washington
On April 3, Kirill Dmitriev visited Washington, where he held talks with several US officials. In particular, he met with US Special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff.
After the negotiations, he mentioned that Russia and the US are allegedly discussing the possibility of resuming air travel, as well as cooperation in the Arctic and on rare earth metals.
As political scientist Volodymyr Fesenko noted in a comment to the RBC-Ukraine YouTube channel, Dmitriev's visit to the US is significant.
