Russia expressed satisfaction with a statement by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to which the US is linking the provision of security guarantees to Kiev with the cession of territories in the eastern Donbas region, reports "Reuters"
The Kremlin's special envoy Kirill Dmitriev said that Zelensky's comment "cannot but please us", since, according to him, the Ukrainian leader "has finally understood" that Washington's position is to support security guarantees only if Ukraine gives up Donbas.
In an interview with 'Reuters" Zelensky points out that, against the backdrop of the conflict between the United States and Israel with Iran, US President Donald Trump is putting pressure on Kiev to end the war that began after the Russian invasion in 2022. The Ukrainian head of state emphasizes that the eastern part of the country is a key element of Ukraine's security and insists on "reliable international guarantees" that would prevent new military actions by Russia.
In parallel, Moscow and Washington continue contacts within the framework of bilateral relations. Dmitriev, who is the main negotiator with the American side, has held meetings with special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. According to him, opportunities for future economic cooperation are also being discussed, including financing the reconstruction of war-torn areas.
The Russian representative also said that the United States played a "positive and constructive role" in the European Union's decision not to confiscate about 210 billion euros of Russian state assets. At the same time, he warned that Moscow was ready to take tough action if necessary, accusing the EU and Britain of "provocations" against the Russian fleet.
Dmitriev also said that Russia had informed the United States about Ukrainian drone attacks on energy infrastructure, which Moscow says are aimed at deepening the global energy crisis. According to estimates cited by "Reuters", about 40% of Russia's oil export capacity has been affected as a result of these strikes, pipeline incidents and tanker detentions - the most serious supply disruption in the country's modern history.