Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia’s $23 billion sovereign wealth fund, praised U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday for his decisive leadership, saying it could transform global challenges into opportunities. Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and a U.S.-educated former Goldman Sachs banker, stated that Trump’s actions showcased bold decision-making to boost growth and foster dialogue.
Within hours of his inauguration, Trump issued orders aimed at increasing oil and gas production, rolling back environmental regulations, and unwinding President Joe Biden’s climate policies. He also signaled intentions to curb immigration. Russian officials, recalling Trump’s approach to Moscow during his first term, have reacted cautiously but remain optimistic, particularly regarding his intent to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin on ending the war in Ukraine.
Putin, addressing his Security Council on Monday, congratulated Trump and expressed readiness for dialogue. On January 13, days before Trump’s inauguration, Putin met with Dmitriev to discuss RDIF’s investments, totaling 2.3 trillion roubles ($22.53 billion), according to the Kremlin.
Dmitriev, currently under U.S. sanctions dismissed by Russia as baseless, did not confirm any role in future U.S.-Russia contacts. Meanwhile, Trump, during his inaugural address, declared he was saved by God from an assassination attempt in June to “make America great again” and promised to make the U.S. “far more exceptional.”
($1 = 102.0705 roubles)
Also read: SpaceX Starship Breaks Up Midflight, Disrupts Air Travel
