Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev: Putin propagandist or key to peace with Ukraine?

November 21, 2025

Kirill Dmitriev, a 50-year-old Russian diplomat and head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, has emerged as a key figure in peace negotiations between Russia and the United States under the Trump administration. Born and raised in Ukraine to scientist parents, Dmitriev studied and worked extensively in America before becoming a prominent Russian official, positioning him uniquely to bridge the cultural and diplomatic divide between the two nations. He has been working closely with Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff on a controversial draft peace plan that would require Ukraine to surrender territory and reduce its military forces, terms that Ukraine has not outright rejected but insists must preserve its sovereignty.

Who is affected

Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelensky (facing territorial and military concessions)
Kirill Dmitriev (under spotlight for peace plan negotiations, subject to US and Ukrainian sanctions)
Steve Witkoff, Trump's special envoy (conducting negotiations with Dmitriev)
The Trump administration (engaged in diplomatic initiatives)
An American teacher (released from Russian jail with Dmitriev's involvement)
Vladimir Putin and the Russian government
Russia's top two oil firms (sanctioned by the US)
The Russian Direct Investment Fund (sanctioned by the US Treasury)
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (criticized Dmitriev as a "Russian propagandist")

What action is being taken

Dmitriev is working with Steve Witkoff on peace negotiations
Dmitriev is participating in diplomatic talks and appearing on Western media to present the Russian government narrative
The US has imposed sanctions on Russia's top two oil firms
Ukraine has imposed sanctions on Dmitriev for alleged crimes
Dmitriev is proposing joint energy projects and business partnerships with US companies

Why it matters

This matters because Dmitriev represents a critical diplomatic channel between Russia and the United States during active negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. His unique background—having been raised in Ukraine while now serving Putin's interests—and his deep understanding of American culture make him an unusual and potentially influential figure in shaping peace terms. The draft peace plan he helped develop could fundamentally alter Ukraine's territorial integrity and military capabilities, affecting the broader European security landscape and the precedent for international responses to territorial aggression. His dual role as both diplomat and investment fund manager also raises concerns about mixing geopolitical negotiations with commercial interests.

What's next

Continued negotiations between Dmitriev and Witkoff on the peace plan
Ukraine's response to the specific terms of any final agreement
Dmitriev has proposed joint energy projects in the Arctic and rare earth mineral development partnerships with US companies
Dmitriev has suggested potential projects including providing Elon Musk with nuclear power plants for Mars missions and developing a rail tunnel beneath the Bering Strait

Read full article from source: BBC