Vladimir Putin’s special envoy is set to attend a White House event hosted by Melania Trump today.
Russian official Kirill Dmitriev will also hold meetings with members of Donald Trump’s administration during his visit to Washington, according to two people familiar with his plans.
The visit comes after Democrats secured control of both chambers of Congress, dealing a blow to Trump and raising the prospect of increased US support for Ukraine.
The incoming Democratic majority is also expected to scrutinise decisions made by the Republican administration, including a diesel deal with Russia and the easing of some sanctions.
Despite the election setback, the Kremlin has said it hopes Trump will continue his efforts to broker peace.
It also said preparations were under way for a possible meeting between Putin, Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen, China.
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Dmitriev’s visit comes ahead of planned talks between US, Russian and Ukrainian officials in Abu Dhabi on November 10.
American negotiators are expected to push for progress towards ending the war in Ukraine, which is approaching its fifth year.
The White House said Melania Trump would give a speech at Thursday’s event about a six-day local ceasefire around the Russian-held town of Oleshky, which she helped mediate.
Dmitriev previously met Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff at the White House in 2025.
One source familiar with the latest visit said humanitarian issues had become an important part of discussions between Dmitriev and Melania Trump’s team, alongside economic and business matters.
These efforts have included the release of American detainees held in Russia, the return of Ukrainian children to their families and the humanitarian operation in Oleshky.
The source said both Russia and the US had an interest in continuing the work.
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