Russia-US talks on economy, energy continue

Russian President Vladimir Putin's special envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, stated that Russia-U.S. talks on economic and energy issues are continuing, even though the Ukraine peace negotiations are on hold. Dmitriev told Reuters that he had spoken with U.S. counterparts, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the day prior. He emphasized that not all Russia-U.S. contacts are tied to Ukraine, and both sides will continue discussions on energy, the economy, and global stability. Dmitriev also suggested that trilateral talks involving Ukraine could be possible in the future on a diplomatic track. The U.S. had previously extended a sanctions waiver allowing purchases of Russian seaborne oil to aid energy-vulnerable countries, a move Dmitriev believes is understood by U.S. officials as crucial for stabilizing energy markets during the Middle East crisis. He declined to comment on whether the waiver would be extended again.