WASHINGTON, D.C, Apr 03(V7N) — Russia’s chief economic negotiator, Kirill Dmitriev, is in Washington for talks with senior US officials, marking the highest-level visit by a Kremlin representative since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Dmitriev, head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, confirmed he was meeting with representatives of President Donald Trump’s administration but did not disclose details. US media reported he was expected to meet Trump envoy Steve Witkoff at the White House.

The visit aligns with Trump’s push for improved US-Russia relations and potential peace negotiations to end the three-year Ukraine war. Moscow is also seeking relief from economic sanctions, including restrictions on its state-owned agricultural lender.

Senior Russian diplomat Sergei Ryabkov described recent US-Russia contacts as slow-moving, stating, "Step by step, we are beginning to move towards normality."

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