In a remarkable turning point, Mr. Kirill Dmitriev - Director of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and Special Envoy of the Russian President on economic cooperation with foreign countries - revealed that a series of US businesses, including many in the energy sector, are proactively looking to return to the Russian market.
Speaking in an interview with Russia 1 channel after his visit to Washington, Mr. Dmitriev said: "We are receiving a lot of offers from US companies - from the energy sector to many other fields - wishing to return to do business in Russia." This is the first time since 2022 that a senior Russian official has come to the capital Washington to hold direct talks with a US representative.
Despite his cautious optimism, Dmitriev also stressed that Russia is now prioritizing the development of domestic enterprises and joint venture models with foreign partners, rather than allowing foreign companies to become independent again.
They can only return if they are welcomed by Russia. The priority now is for Russian enterprises and substantive cooperation projects with foreign countries, Dmitriev stressed.
This view reflects a change in Russia's approach following a series of withdrawals by foreign companies in 2022 - the time when the West imposed extensive sanctions on Russia following the Ukraine crisis.
According to RDIF, there are still about 150 US companies operating in Russia, despite political pressure from within the US. However, for companies that have left, returning will not be simple. Many of the market positions they have held are now filled by Russian businesses, Dmitriev told Reuters earlier.
During exchanges in Washington, Dmitriev said the two sides discussed a series of potential projects such as investment in rare earth metals, development of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and cooperation in the Arctic. These areas are considered strategic and long-term, which could open up new connectivity opportunities between the two strained economies.
The meeting between Dmitriev and US presidential special advisor Steven Witkoff was judged by Western media to be of a "breaking the ice". CNN quoted a private source as saying the meeting was to restart Russia-US relations and seek a possible solution to the Ukrainian conflict.
We have made three steps forward in just two days, Dmitriev said, adding that further meetings between the two countries could take place in the coming week.
