From US soil, Putin's aide warns Trump: 'be respectful…'| Day 3 of Russia talks; Zelensky panics?

Putin’s envoy Kirill Dmitriev, in United States for high-level talks, underscores Moscow’s insistence on “constructive, respectful dialogue” and rejects Western pressure as “pointless,” touting Russia’s economic strength and the ruble’s 40% surge versus the dollar. In detailed briefings to U.S. officials, Dmitriev highlights Russian military advances near Kupiansk and Krasnoarmiisk, as well as the successful test of the nuclear-powered Burevestnik missile. He calls for addressing the “root causes” of the Ukraine conflict and confirms meetings with bipartisan U.S. figures, including Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna, to foster direct Duma–Congress exchanges. Dmitriev stresses that peace requires recognition of Russia’s core interests, while U.S. Treasury and administration officials remain skeptical about the true state of Russia’s economy and assert new sanctions are biting.