**Russia Seeks Resources Deal with US, Lifting Sanctions via Kirill Dmitriev**
In a move that could potentially ease economic tensions between the two nations, Russia is using its negotiator, Kirill Dmitriev, to lead discussions with the United States on resource development and a partial unblocking of frozen Russian assets. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Dmitriev is communicating Moscow’s proposals to Washington, utilizing his Middle Eastern connections.
Dmitriev, who heads the state-controlled Russian Direct Investment Fund, met with U.S. officials in Washington last week on behalf of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The discussions are reportedly focused on projects related to Russian rare earth minerals. Zelensky believes that the ultimate goal of this initiative is to lift sanctions against specific individuals and entities involved in these projects.
**Frozen Assets: A Key Point of Contention**
Russia’s frozen assets, totaling around 300 billion euros ($300 billion), have been a significant point of contention between Russia and Western nations. The EU has already begun leveraging proceeds from these frozen assets to support Ukraine. Zelensky claims that Moscow is pressuring foreign governments to help release funds by offering deals involving high-tech goods such as aircraft construction parts.
**A Scheme to Unblock Economic Relations**
Zelensky describes the Russian initiative as a scheme to unblock economic relations, citing the example of lifting sanctions against individuals involved in Russian mineral exports. This move could potentially pave the way for increased cooperation between Russia and the United States on resource development projects.
**Ukraine’s Stance: A Ceasefire with Clear Time Limits**
President Zelensky stresses that Ukraine is ready to contribute its land and resources but expects the U.S. to bring in technologies and capital. He also emphasizes the importance of a ceasefire with clear time limits, stating that an unclear period would lead to a frozen conflict.
**International Support: A Lifeline for Ukraine**
The EU has allocated another 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) as part of the G7 loan program for Kyiv. The bloc considers U.S. tariffs unjustified and damaging, causing economic harm to both sides, as well as the global economy. Revolut, a London-based digital bank, has suspended registration of new customers in Ukraine due to increasing security concerns.
**Russian Casualties Mount**
The number of Russian casualties continues to rise, with over 1,420 casualties suffered just over the past day. The situation remains tense, with President Zelensky warning that there will be more attempts by Russia in the Kharkiv and Sumy directions.
In conclusion, the initiative led by Kirill Dmitriev aims to ease economic tensions between Russia and the United States. However, Ukraine remains cautious, emphasizing the need for a clear ceasefire with time limits and significant international support. As the situation unfolds, one thing is certain: the stakes are high, and the outcome will have far-reaching consequences for global politics and economies.