Russian special negotiator visited the USA

On April 2-3, 2025, Kirill Dmitriev, a senior Russian negotiator and head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, visited Washington, D.C., marking the first trip by a high-ranking Russian official to the U.S. since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Meeting with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and other Trump administration officials, Dmitriev focused on strengthening U.S.-Russia relations and exploring a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing war in Ukraine. His visit, facilitated by a temporary lifting of U.S. sanctions, came amid heightened efforts by the Trump administration to broker a ceasefire, following earlier talks in Riyadh in February. Discussions reportedly emphasized a "positive dynamic" in bilateral ties, with Dmitriev noting the Trump administration’s willingness to listen to Russia’s perspective and work toward constructive solutions.

The meeting covered a broad range of topics beyond the Ukraine conflict, including potential economic cooperation. Dmitriev admitted American companies’ interest in returning to Russia to fill market gaps left by departing European firms, as well as joint projects in areas like rare earth metals and Arctic development. He also mentioned the possibility of restoring direct flights between the two nations. While no specific ceasefire details were disclosed, Dmitriev expressed optimism about progress, suggesting that further meetings would be scheduled soon to address remaining differences. His visit reflects a warming of the U.S.-Russia relationship and marks clear signs of the potential complete return of Russia from isolation under President Trump.

Russia targeted Kharkiv with drones, four killed, 35 injured, including child

A late-night Russian drone attack on April 3 struck the city of Kharkiv, killing at least four civilians and injuring 35 others, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov. The strike hit an apartment building in the Novobavarskyi district, igniting a large fire and triggering an ongoing search and rescue operation. Among the injured is a child, Ukraine’s State Emergency Service confirmed. In the early hours of April 4, rescuers found a fourth victim beneath the rubble.

Kharkiv, located near Ukraine’s northeastern border with Russia, remains a constant target of Russian aerial assaults. The region frequently endures drone, missile, and glide bomb strikes, often aimed at densely populated civilian areas. Despite partial ceasefire agreements, Russian forces continue to target residential neighborhoods, causing widespread destruction and civilian casualties.

Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of violating the current partial ceasefire, which was intended to prevent attacks on energy infrastructure. Presidential Office Deputy Head Pavlo Palisa said on April 3 that Kyiv has presented the U.S. with evidence of Russia’s ongoing violations, including continued strikes on civilian and critical infrastructure.

Putin is unable to end the war even if he wanted to

The war has become the foundation of the Russian economy and society, and the coming of peace could lead to the collapse of the entire system.

According to the Foreign Policy article, Russian President Vladimir Putin has become trapped by the war in Ukraine, which has evolved into a cornerstone of Russia’s economy and society. Analysts Michael Poznansky and William C. Wohlforth suggest that the conflict, now in its third year, has shifted from a discretionary military operation to an existential necessity for Putin’s regime. The Russian economy, heavily militarized, relies on war-related spending to sustain growth, while societal narratives have been reshaped to frame the war as a defense against Western aggression. Ending the conflict, the authors contend, could destabilize this fragile system, risking economic collapse and domestic unrest, leaving Putin with little incentive to pursue peace despite the mounting costs.

The article further explores how Putin’s initial miscalculations—expecting a swift victory—have given way to a war of attrition that he believes he can win, especially with Western support for Ukraine wavering under the Trump administration’s push for a ceasefire. The authors highlight that Putin’s strategy hinges on outlasting his adversaries, supported by allies like China and North Korea, and a domestic propaganda machine that maintains public support. However, they warn that this approach is unsustainable long-term, as economic strains like inflation and labor shortages grow. For Ukraine and its backers, the path forward involves either decisively defeating Russia or waiting out Putin’s regime until internal pressures force a reckoning—options complicated by the war’s deep integration into Russia’s political and economic fabric.

Trump is waiting for Kirill Dmitriev to report to Putin before taking the next steps regarding the ceasefire

The U.S. is reportedly holding off on further steps in peace negotiations with Russia until Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev briefs President Vladimir Putin, Bloomberg reported on April 4, citing a source familiar with the matter. Dmitriev, who heads Russia’s state-run Direct Investment Fund, met with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in Washington on April 2–3 as part of the ongoing backchannel talks to end Russia’s war in Ukraine. His visit followed growing U.S. frustration over Moscow’s stalling tactics and an apparent breakdown in a recently negotiated partial Black Sea truce.

Former President Donald Trump, who is now leading U.S. foreign policy, recently imposed a 10% baseline tariff on nearly all imports, excluding Russia and Belarus, which the White House noted have no meaningful trade due to sanctions. Trump has also threatened secondary oil tariffs targeting Russia, signaling impatience with what he sees as a lack of progress in the negotiations. The Black Sea truce deal, once considered a breakthrough, fell apart after Russia demanded sanctions relief—contradicting earlier U.S. claims that no such condition was agreed upon.

After his Washington meetings, Dmitriev praised the Trump administration for what he called a “respectful and constructive” approach and indicated hopes for renewed economic ties between Russia and the U.S. Dmitriev, who was previously involved in informal diplomacy with Trump’s circle during his 2016 election, now serves as Putin’s representative for foreign economic affairs. He also participated in earlier U.S.-Russia talks in Riyadh in February.