Moscow: Russia is optimistic about progress in economic negotiations with the United States in the coming months, according to a key Russian negotiator. The talks are taking place in Saudi Arabia, with Moscow hoping they will lead to a restoration of ties between the two countries.

The renewed optimism follows a recent phone call between former US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, along with US officials signaling a potential shift in policy toward Russia. Moscow is hopeful that Washington might ease sanctions imposed over its Ukraine offensive.

Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund and Moscow’s economic negotiator, told state TV that the economic track of discussions is very important.

"We have a series of proposals that our colleagues are considering. I think there could be progress in the next two to three months," Dmitriev said, though he did not specify the details of the proposals or the timeline for further talks.

Dmitriev, who studied in the United States and previously worked at Goldman Sachs, is considered an influential figure in the Kremlin’s economic diplomacy.

The US and its Western allies imposed heavy sanctions on Russia in 2022 after it sent troops to Ukraine. Despite massive military spending shielding Moscow from economic collapse, experts warn that the high costs of war are unsustainable in the long run, leading to rising inflation and domestic imbalances.

Dmitriev, however, reiterated the Kremlin’s stance that Western sanctions have hurt American businesses more than Russia.

"It is important to start dialogue and acknowledge that the sanctions hit American companies more than Russia," he said.

While no concrete agreements have yet been reached, the talks signal a potential thaw in US-Russia economic relations amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.