Kirill Dmitriev, President Vladimir Putin's special envoy, has strongly denied a claim made by The Economist about a potential deal between Russia and the United States involving $12 trillion in economic agreements for lifting sanctions. Dmitriev criticized the report as 'fake news' and emphasized that discussions about economic cooperation between the two nations have been ongoing, particularly with officials in Washington. He highlighted that the reported lifting of sanctions is not contingent upon specific offers, but rather a necessity for mutual benefit.

Dmitriev pointed out that maintaining sanctions against Russia has significant financial repercussions for American businesses, estimating losses exceeding $300 billion. He argued that alleviating these sanctions would ultimately serve US interests, as it would facilitate economic engagements that could benefit both countries. This perspective aligns with former President Donald Trump's inclination towards fostering relations with Russia, especially since taking office again.

The implications of Dmitriev's statements suggest a continued interest from the Russian side in enhancing economic ties with the US despite the ongoing geopolitical tensions stemming from the Ukraine conflict. His remarks also reflect a broader narrative within Russia that seeks to position the nation as a viable economic partner for the US, contingent upon favorable diplomatic conditions.