The Magician of the Kremlin
Kirill Dmitriev, a banker under sanctions, has been leading negotiations for Russia regarding the war in Ukraine. His approach involves proposing deals that would benefit both Russian and American companies while undermining Ukraine's sovereignty. Dmitriev's past as a proponent of economic reform contrasts sharply with his current role in the Kremlin's strategy.
- ▪Kirill Dmitriev has no diplomatic background but has been negotiating for Russia in the Ukraine conflict.
- ▪He proposes that the U.S. should compromise Ukraine's sovereignty for lucrative projects.
- ▪Dmitriev's connections to Putin and American investors have significantly increased his wealth.
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GlobalThe Magician of the KremlinKirill Dmitriev will do anything to stay close to power.By Robert F. WorthIllustration by The Atlantic. Source: Maxim Shemetov / Pool Photo / AP.May 25, 2026, 7 AM ET ShareSave For the past 18 months, Vladimir Putin’s efforts to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine have been led by a man with no diplomatic background or expertise. Kirill Dmitriev, a banker who is under sanctions for his role in financing the war, has been shuttling from Moscow to Florida to meet with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in and around the exclusive island known as Billionaire Bunker.
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