Putin Appoints Kiril Dmitriev to Negotiate with American Jews Witkoff and Kushner

Date: December 2, 2025

Author: Dr. Aisha Washington

In a surprising diplomatic move, Russian President Vladimir Putin has appointed Kiril Dmitriev to lead negotiations aimed at resolving ongoing conflicts in Eastern Europe. Dmitriev"s negotiating team includes American businessmen Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, both of whom have significant ties to the U.S. political landscape. This decision has raised eyebrows, particularly due to the historical context surrounding the appointment of Jewish individuals in high-stakes negotiations.

Key Details

President Putin"s selection of Kiril Dmitriev comes as he replaces Sergey Lavrov, who is of Russo-Armenian descent. Dmitriev, while not Jewish himself, has a history of working closely with American Jewish businessmen, notably Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Dmitriev is a Harvard alumnus and has an extensive background in finance, having previously worked at Goldman Sachs and as a consultant for McKinsey & Company. In the early 2000s, he was involved with Delta Private Equity in Moscow, where he facilitated the flow of American investments into Russia.

Steve Witkoff, who has recently transitioned into a diplomatic role, was appointed as a special envoy for the Middle East in January 2025. Despite this official title, he has played a crucial role in U.S. efforts to mediate the conflict in Ukraine, even as retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg was designated as a specific envoy for this purpose. Witkoff"s involvement in diplomacy is relatively new, and he lacks formal diplomatic training.

Jared Kushner, who is notably the son-in-law of former President Donald Trump, does not hold an official diplomatic position but maintains a close relationship with Trump, which provides him with significant influence. Additionally, Kushner is known to have a strong friendship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, further complicating the dynamics of the negotiations.

Kiril Dmitriev currently serves as the CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, which is Russia"s sovereign wealth fund. His appointment to negotiate with American businessmen underscores the potential for a unique approach to diplomacy that leverages private sector connections.

Background

The context of this negotiation is rooted in the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe, particularly the tensions surrounding Ukraine. The involvement of American businessmen in negotiations traditionally reserved for diplomats reflects a shift in how international relations are conducted in the modern era. The choice of Dmitriev, Witkoff, and Kushner may signal a new strategy by the Russian government to engage with influential figures in the U.S. rather than relying solely on formal diplomatic channels.

What"s Next

The implications of this negotiation team are significant, as it could reshape the landscape of U.S.-Russia relations and impact the broader geopolitical climate in Eastern Europe. As previously reported, negotiations between Putin, Witkoff, and Kushner have already commenced, with the potential for further developments in the coming weeks. The outcome of these discussions may influence not only the situation in Ukraine but also the future of U.S.-Israeli relations, given Kushner"s ties to Netanyahu.

For more insights on related developments, see our article on recent negotiations between Putin, Witkoff, and Kushner.