On the 1478th day of the war in Ukraine, Kirill Dmitriew, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, met in Florida with Steve Witkoff, a special US envoy. The talks concerned the global energy crisis and the role of Russian oil.

High-level meeting

Kirill Dmitriew (RDIF) spoke with Steve Witkoff in Florida about energy security and economic relations.

Energy crisis as the main topic

The Russian side claims that the US shows better understanding of the role of Russian resources in stabilizing world markets.

Sanctions and diplomacy

Despite Dmitriew and RDIF being subject to US sanctions since 2022, direct negotiations with the new administration took place.

Context of the war in Ukraine

The meeting is interpreted as part of broader diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict.

Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and a special envoy of the Russian president, met in Florida with a US team led by Steve Witkoff. The main topic of the talks, which took place around March 11–12, 2026, was the escalating global energy crisis and the strategic role of Russian oil on international markets. Steve Witkoff, who has served as the US special envoy for the Middle East and peace missions since 2025, confirmed the fact that discussions took place. This meeting constitutes a rare instance of direct high-level contact between Kremlin representatives and the US administration amid the ongoing armed conflict. 1478 (dzień) — of full-scale war in Ukraine

According to Kirill Dmitriev's account, the American side now shows greater understanding of the importance of Russian energy resources in the context of global economic stability. The Russian envoy suggested that American partners are aware of the need to include supply from Russia to control the price crisis. „We discussed the global energy crisis and the role of Russian oil. It seems the U.S. side now better understands the importance of our resources” — Kirill Dmitriev via Reuters Energy relations between Russia and the West deteriorated drastically after the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, leading to a series of sanctions on the Russian oil and gas sector. Russia, one of the world's largest oil producers, redirected a significant portion of its exports to Asia, mainly to China and India. Previous diplomatic attempts to stabilize energy prices often ended in failure due to the political conditions of the conflict. RDIF, led by Dmitriev, has for years played a key role in representing the Kremlin's economic interests abroad, despite the fund being subject to Western restrictions.

The US administration is more restrained in describing the course and outcomes of the talks held in Florida. Steve Witkoff described the meeting as a discussion covering "various topics," without going into details about possible agreements or concessions on energy policy. Diplomacy in the Shadow of Crisis: February 24, 2022 — Invasion of Ukraine; January 20, 2025 — Witkoff's Nomination; March 11, 2026 — Meeting in Florida; March 12, 2026 — Talks Confirmed

Mentioned People

  • Kirill Dmitriev — Russian businessman, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and special envoy of the Russian president for foreign investment and economic cooperation.
  • Steve Witkoff — American real estate developer and investor, since 2025 US special envoy for the Middle East and special envoy for peace missions.
  • Władimir Putin — President of the Russian Federation.
  • Donald Trump — 47th President of the United States.