Zelensky sanctions leading Russian peace negotiator

Kiev has imposed sanctions on President Vladimir Putin’s economic aide, Kirill Dmitriev, and other officials

Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky has imposed sanctions on several Russian officials, including Kirill Dmitriev, the Russian president’s economic aide and a key figure in the peace process.

The sanctions announced on Sunday also targeted five Russian publishing houses.

Dmitriev, who heads the Russian Direct Investment Fund, emerged as one of leading negotiators in the Ukraine settlement process. He has visited the US several times for meetings with officials from the administration of President Donald Trump to discuss peace initiatives.

Dmitriev has stressed the importance of dialogue and cautioned Washington against repeating what he described as the failed approach of Trump’s predecessor, Joe Biden. Policies based on confrontation have proven ineffective, he added.

READ MORE: Putin aide weighs in on prospects for Ukraine peace

In a statement published on his website, Zelensky accused Dmitriev of “spreading propaganda and attracting Russian investments into key sectors of foreign economies.” He also linked the move to Moscow’s decision to impose sanctions on Ukrainian officials, including Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko.

Kiev said it would “share its proposals for new sanctions with the relevant partners,” adding that Russia “deserves far greater global pressure.”

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