The Kremlin is trying to use the visit of Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund in the United States, to spread Kremlin narratives about Ukraine in the American information space. Moscow's main demands are the surrender of Kiev and the installation of a pro-Russian puppet government.
This is recalled by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Kirill Dmitriev effectively admitted that Ukraine had compromised its negotiating position, confirming that Russia's maximalist demands from 2021 and 2022 remain unchanged.
Russian forces continue to try to take advantage of poor weather conditions to conduct larger-scale mechanized attacks, but continue to suffer heavy losses of equipment that are disproportionate to the results achieved.
ISW continues to assess that Russian forces are increasing the frequency of mechanized attacks in Ukraine to take advantage of rainy and foggy weather conditions that make it difficult for Ukrainian drones to operate.
Russia's current practice of taking advantage of weather conditions to suppress the effect of Ukrainian drone strikes against mechanized activity appears to be insufficient, as Ukrainian forces are still able to largely stop mechanized attacks and prevent significant Russian breakthroughs. Russian mechanized attacks, however, could allow Russian forces to deploy infantry closer to Ukrainian positions to conduct follow-up infiltration missions.
Putin's envoy to the United States, Kirill Dmitriev, has made clear Russia's continued unwillingness to engage in good faith negotiations to end the war.
Russian State Duma deputies also continue to publicly state that Russia has not changed its maximalist demands on Kiev.
Dmitriev has actively promoted economic cooperation between the United States and Russia, while discreetly hinting at Russia's status as a nuclear power. Dmitriev has said that there is still "potential for economic cooperation" between Russia and the United States, but only if the United States "respects" Russia's interests.
Dmitriev reiterated Russia's proposal to build a tunnel connecting Russia and the United States through the Bering Strait, using technology from American businessman Elon Musk.
Dmitriev said that economic relations could be the "basis of peaceful relations" between the United States and Russia.
Dmitriev said that economic cooperation is possible once the countries overcome "their political difficulties" - namely, US President Donald Trump's refusal to submit to Russia's maximalist demands.
Dmitriev is promoting joint economic projects to encourage the United States to quickly end the war on Russia's terms. Dmitriev's talks about economic cooperation are an attempt to portray Russia as cooperative and willing to work with the United States to reach a peace agreement and beyond, as the Trump administration has recently assessed Russia as an obstacle to peace talks.
Dmitriev's comments about the economic projects contained veiled threats that Russia would escalate its military actions if the United States did not agree to Russia's unwavering demands.
Dmitriev has repeatedly stated in interviews that he has no military background and that he simply represents Russia's economic interests in the United States.