Kremlin says Putin envoy's U.S. visit does not mean Ukraine talks have resumed

Kremlin clarifies that Putin envoy's U.S. visit does not indicate resumed Ukraine peace negotiations, emphasizing economic discussions instead.

The Kremlin said on Friday (April 10, 2026) that a visit to the United States by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s special investment envoy did not mean that negotiations on a possible peace deal in Ukraine had resumed.

Also Read | Putin declares ceasefire in Ukraine for Orthodox Easter

Reuters reported on Thursday (April 9), citing sources with knowledge of the visit, that Kirill Dmitriev, Mr. Putin’s envoy, was in the U.S. and meeting members of U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration for discussions on a peace deal and U.S.-Russia economic cooperation.

“Kirill Dmitriev is not negotiating a settlement in Ukraine, and this is not a ​resumption of the ‌negotiations,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday (April 10, 2026) when asked about the matter. “Kirill Dmitriev heads the group on economic issues, ‌and he continues to work within ​this group.”

Mr. Putin on Thursday (April 9) announced a 32-hour ceasefire over a two-day period ⁠for Orthodox Easter on Sunday (April 12). His Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv would abide ‌by the measure.

Mr. Peskov, who has said that peace talks are paused due to events in West Asia, said the ceasefire was humanitarian in nature and that Russia wanted a proper peace deal ‌rather than simply a ceasefire. “As we have repeatedly said, ​and as President Putin has said, we do not want a ceasefire, ⁠we want peace, a lasting, sustainable peace,” Mr. Peskov ⁠said.