Russia and the United States continued talks on economic and energy matters on June 3, even as peace negotiations over Ukraine remain paused, Kremlin and US sources said [1, 2].
Kirill Dmitriev, Russia's special envoy, held discussions with US representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner during the talks [1, 2]. These talks focused on topics separate from the stalled Ukraine peace process.
The Kremlin announced on May 18 that the peace process involving Russia and Ukraine was on hold but expected to resume in the future [1]. Despite the pause, military actions have increased, with Russia striking Ukrainian cities and Ukraine carrying out attacks on targets inside Russia [1].
Some contacts between Russia and the US now center on energy, economy, and global stability rather than on Ukraine directly, according to the sources [1, 2]. Dmitriev noted that extending sanctions waivers on Russian energy exports had helped stabilize markets and said, “the U.S. administration understands that without Russian oil, without Russian gas, it's impossible to have stability in the energy markets” [1].
The US extended its 30-day sanctions waiver for Russian seaborne oil purchases for the third consecutive time in mid-May, allowing continued trade despite sanctions on Russia [1, 2]. Dmitriev expressed hope that trilateral talks including Ukraine might occur “when the time is right” on a diplomatic track [1].
The latest diplomatic activity follows a brief ceasefire announced after talks between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 29, which has since given way to renewed conflict [1].
The continuing economic and energy discussions between Russia and the US signal a limited engagement even as wider peace efforts in Ukraine remain paused. The next concrete step will depend on when the Kremlin and Kyiv decide to resume formal peace negotiations.
