Burc Eruygur
10 April 2026•Update: 10 April 2026
The Kremlin said Friday that Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev is in the US for consultations with the administration of President Donald Trump, but denied the visit is connected to negotiations on a settlement in Ukraine.
In remarks to journalists at a press briefing, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed Dmitriev’s visit but said the envoy was working on economic cooperation issues rather than peace talks.
“Dmitriev is not leading negotiations on a Ukrainian settlement, and this does not constitute a resumption of negotiations. Kirill Dmitriev heads the economic issues group, and he continues to work within that group,” Peskov said, responding to a question on the visit.
The visit comes as US sanctions relief allowing limited transactions related to the delivery and sale of Russian crude oil and petroleum products is due to expire Saturday.
The relief was introduced on March 12, the same day US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said he met a Russian delegation led by Dmitriev in Florida, during which both sides discussed “a variety of topics and agreed to stay in touch,” according to a statement on US social media platform X.
Peskov also commented on an Easter ceasefire announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin a day earlier, describing the temporary truce as “humanitarian in nature.”
Saying Moscow is seeking a “lasting, sustainable peace” rather than a temporary ceasefire with Kyiv, Peskov said peace could be achieved immediately if Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy makes the “appropriate decision and takes responsibility.”
On Thursday, Putin ordered the implementation of a ceasefire in Ukraine effective from 4.00 pm Moscow time (1300GMT) on April 11 until the end of April 12 on the occasion of the Orthodox Christian Easter holiday.
“Troops must be prepared to counter any possible provocations by the enemy, as well as any aggressive actions. We assume that the Ukrainian side will follow the Russian Federation's example,” a Kremlin statement said.
In response, Zelenskyy said on X that Ukraine has “repeatedly stated” its readiness for reciprocal measures and confirmed Kyiv would act in line with its ceasefire proposal for the Easter period.
“People need an Easter free from threats and real movement toward peace, and Russia has a chance not to return to strikes after Easter as well,” Zelenskyy added in his overnight post.
On March 30, Zelenskyy told journalists that Ukraine was ready for an Easter ceasefire. A day later, he said Kyiv had proposed a temporary truce during Easter and hoped the US would support the initiative.
