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Putin Appoints Russia Sovereign Wealth Fund Chief as Special Envoy

Dmitriev's appointment reflects a growing emphasis on economic cooperation between Russia and the United States, following high-level talks in Saudi Arabia. As the most US-savvy member of Russia's elite, Dmitriev brings significant expertise in international investment and diplomacy to his new role. The appointment marks a shift in Putin's approach to engagement with Western nations, as he seeks to re-engage on economic and security issues.

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Alexander Darchiev, 64, a seasoned diplomat with two previous stints as Russia's ambassador to Washington, has been appointed by Vladimir Putin to lead a rapprochement between the two nations. The appointment marks a significant shift in Moscow's diplomatic approach, following President Donald Trump's recent overtures towards Russia and his decision to pause military aid to Ukraine. Darchiev will now work to restore normal relations with Washington, which have been strained since 2020.

U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is arranging talks with Ukraine for a peace agreement framework to end hostilities with Russia, and a meeting is planned next week in Saudi Arabia. The talks come after acrimonious discussions between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at the White House on February 28. A revenue-sharing minerals deal was also resumed since then, but the details of this new framework are unclear.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has aligned himself with Russian President Vladimir Putin in his assessment of the Ukraine conflict, with both viewing it as a proxy war between the United States and Russia. The Kremlin's endorsement of Rubio's views suggests a significant shift in the U.S. approach to the conflict, potentially underscoring Moscow's efforts to isolate Washington internationally. However, the implications of this alignment remain unclear, particularly for Ukraine and the European Union.

National security adviser Mike Waltz has emphasized the need for Ukraine to have a leader willing to pursue lasting peace with Russia, expressing concern that President Volodymyr Zelenskiy may not fit this criterion. Following a heated exchange between Trump, Zelenskiy, and Vice President JD Vance, Waltz indicated that Washington seeks a resolution involving territorial concessions in exchange for security guarantees. The situation has raised questions about Zelenskiy's commitment to negotiations, with some U.S. lawmakers suggesting a change in leadership may be necessary if he does not align with U.S. goals.

The visit represents a significant diplomatic effort by the U.S. government to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and promote regional stability through bilateral talks with key players like Saudi Arabia and Canada. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will engage with Ukrainian officials to discuss potential economic support, security cooperation, and humanitarian assistance. The meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is expected to focus on energy diplomacy and regional security issues.

The US and Russia are collaborating on communication with Iran over nuclear issues, which could potentially facilitate negotiations between the two countries, although no direct talks have yet occurred. This cooperation may signal a broader effort to address geopolitical tensions in the region. The initiative stems from President Trump's efforts to restore relations with Russia after their 2022 conflict.

The U.S. government is considering options to quickly ease sanctions on Russia's energy sector, contingent on a peace agreement to end the Ukraine war. This initiative reflects efforts to prepare for potential negotiations between President Trump and President Putin, as analysts suggest that sanction relief could be a key element in any deal. The inquiry also addresses past delays in lifting sanctions, aiming to streamline the process to avoid disruptions in global markets.

The White House is drafting a plan to potentially ease Russian sanctions as part of President Donald Trump's efforts to restore ties with Moscow and stop the war in Ukraine. The proposal aims to lift sanctions on select entities and individuals, including some Russian oligarchs, under certain conditions. A potential deal could involve economic cooperation between Russia and the US, but the specifics of the relief and what Washington seeks in return are still unclear.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has reaffirmed Ukraine's commitment to engaging in a constructive dialogue with the U.S. over ways to end the war with Russia, despite recent tensions and paused military aid. The Ukrainian leader expressed hope for a meeting next week in Saudi Arabia, where he will discuss peace proposals with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and the U.S. team. Zelenskiy emphasized that Ukraine's priority is finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict, which has been ongoing since Russia's invasion three years ago.

Trump's threats of large-scale sanctions on Russia follow a pause in US military aid and intelligence support to Ukraine, as he calls for both countries to negotiate a peace deal. Russian forces have almost surrounded thousands of Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region, leading to concerns about the stability of the situation. The US president has expressed a willingness to ease sanctions on Russia's energy sector if Moscow agrees to end the Ukraine war.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un held a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Pyongyang on Wednesday, marking the first high-level talks between the two countries since 2019. The "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty" signed during Putin's visit to North Korea in June aims to deepen cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang. The treaty includes a mutual defence pact for immediate military assistance if either country faces armed aggression.

The Kremlin has indicated that discussions on Iran's nuclear programme will be a key topic in future talks between Russia and the United States, following initial mentions during a recent round of U.S.-Russia talks. Russia's President Vladimir Putin has strengthened ties with Iran since the start of the Ukraine war, signing a strategic cooperation treaty in January. The issue of Iran's nuclear dossier is expected to be addressed through diplomatic means, with Russia positioning itself as a key player in resolving the conflict.

U.S. officials are set to evaluate Ukraine's willingness to make concessions to Russia during a meeting in Saudi Arabia, amidst concerns that the ongoing conflict requires a realistic approach to peace negotiations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other U.S. representatives will engage with Ukrainian officials to gauge their commitment to improving relations and their openness to a compromise regarding territorial disputes. The discussions occur against a backdrop of skepticism from European allies, who believe that Ukraine should negotiate from a position of strength rather than haste.

The Kremlin has signaled that the next round of Russia-U.S. talks on ending the war in Ukraine is unlikely to happen before the embassies of both countries resume normal operations, amid ongoing tensions between the two nations. The delay is partly due to concerns over U.S. President Donald Trump's stance on military aid to Ukraine and his administration's willingness to engage in dialogue with Russia. Meanwhile, Kyiv remains wary of Moscow's intentions, citing past betrayals by Russian leaders.

The Russian government has announced plans to expand cooperation with Myanmar in various sectors, including agriculture and nuclear energy, despite the ongoing military junta's authoritarian rule. Moscow sees significant potential for increased trade and investment opportunities with the Southeast Asian nation, which has been plagued by instability since a 2021 coup d'Γ©tat. The Kremlin's efforts to strengthen ties with Myanmar aim to counterbalance China's growing influence in the region.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is set to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday, as tensions over the war in Ukraine continue to escalate. The US has shifted its stance, engaging directly with Moscow while cutting off military assistance and intelligence sharing for Kyiv. A bilateral minerals deal between Ukraine and the US will also be discussed during the talks, with Zelenskiy emphasizing the need for a realistic peace agreement.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed optimism about improved cooperation with the United States, citing progress on security issues and a planned meeting between officials. The development comes after CIA Director John Ratcliffe announced the pause of intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, sparking concerns about tensions between the two nations. The Ukrainian government has been seeking to repair ties with its top military supporter following public clashes with US President Donald Trump.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has commended U.S. President Donald Trump for his pragmatic approach to ending the war in Ukraine, while simultaneously criticizing European nations for prolonging the conflict. Lavrov's remarks highlight a perceived divide between U.S. and European strategies regarding the war, with Russia dismissing European proposals for peacekeeping as lacking credibility. The historical context provided by Lavrov paints Europe as a recurring source of global conflict, suggesting that current European leaders are perpetuating this legacy.

Normalisation of Russia-US relations necessitates the removal of imposed sanctions, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. This stance underscores the Kremlin's long-standing opposition to economic penalties for alleged wrongdoing. The Russian government views sanctions as an "illegal burden" hindering diplomatic efforts.

The Commerce Department is appointing Michael Grimes, a former Morgan Stanley banker, as the lead executive for a planned sovereign wealth fund, marking a significant development in President Trump's efforts to create a US-based investment vehicle for national security projects. The fund, which remains in its early stages, would aim to promote American investments in key sectors such as critical minerals, rare earths, and defense technology. Grimes' appointment underscores the administration's commitment to leveraging private sector expertise to drive strategic investments.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed optimism about repairing his relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump following a contentious meeting in the Oval Office, where Trump criticized him for perceived disrespect and ingratitude towards U.S. aid. Despite the tensions, Zelenskiy reiterated Ukraine's commitment to territorial integrity and indicated readiness to finalize a minerals deal with the U.S. He emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and security guarantees from Washington to deter Russian aggression.

Finland's foreign minister Elina Valtonen said that Washington's pivot towards Russia is unlikely to bring an end to the war in Ukraine, and that President Donald Trump would likely discover this in the end. She expressed concerns about a recent U.S. order to pause offensive cyber operations against Russia during negotiations aimed at ending the Ukraine war. In her view, this approach should not work and President Trump's team will eventually notice its limitations.

Starmer's diplomatic balancing act to keep both Europe and U.S. President Donald Trump on side and protect Britain from U.S. tariffs that would damage his country's strained finances is a delicate process. He has formed an unexpected alliance with French President Emmanuel Macron, who is a sharp critic of Britain's departure from the European Union, and a solid relationship with Trump, who UK officials say likes Starmer's lack of pretension. The British leader's efforts to end the threat of U.S. tariffs have earned him praise from Trump, but the success of his diplomatic mission remains uncertain.

The Kremlin has expressed support for pausing US military aid to Ukraine, suggesting it could be a significant step towards peace in the conflict-torn region. Russia's President Vladimir Putin sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine in 2022, triggering a major confrontation with Western powers. The pause in aid, proposed by US President Donald Trump following his clash with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy, could potentially reduce tensions and encourage Kyiv to engage in peace talks.

Russia's main task remains to inflict "maximum defeat" on Ukraine, former president Dmitry Medvedev said on Wednesday. Russia is advancing, but the enemy is resisting and has not yet been defeated. Medvedev expects the United States to resume military aid to Ukraine once Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy signs a minerals agreement with Washington.