**Russian Negotiator Meets with US Officials in Washington**
A high-level Russian negotiator, Kirill Dmitriev, has arrived in Washington for meetings with US officials. Dmitriev is the head of Russia’s state-controlled investment fund and has played a role in backchannel diplomacy between Moscow and the Trump administration.
Dmitriev met with Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, at the White House on April 2. The content of their discussions remains unclear.
**Tensions Rise Between Russia and US**
The visit comes as tensions rise between Russia and the US over stalled ceasefire talks in Ukraine. US President Trump has threatened to impose secondary oil tariffs on Russia.
Dmitriev wrote on his Telegram channel that restoring dialogue with the US is a difficult process, but every meeting helps move forward. He also stated that opponents of rapprochement fear that Russia and the US will find common ground and build cooperation.
**Ukraine Exports to US**
Ukrainian Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko announced that Ukraine’s exports to the US in 2024 amounted to $874 million, including cast iron and pipes.
**Sanctions and Military Aid**
The UK has imposed sanctions on a pro-Russian NGO accused of attempting to rig a referendum in Moldova. The US has also begun floating plans to establish a joint European military fund for purchasing military equipment.
Ukrainian air defenses shot down 28 Russian drones overnight, with 7 decoy drones disappearing from radar without causing damage.
**Military Defeat and Reconstruction**
Russia suffered 1,390 casualties just over the past day. Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced that international donors have allocated nearly $7.4 billion for recovery projects in 2025, but a $10 billion deficit remains to finance reconstruction projects.
Ukraine successfully brought back 11 children who had been forcibly taken to Russia and Russian-occupied territory.
**Trump’s Frustration**
US President Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, stated that the US wants a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire. However, Trump is frustrated with both Ukrainian President Zelensky and Russian President Putin.
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