Washington Considers Lifting Sanctions on RFPI — U.S. Administration Source

The U.S. administration is examining the possibility of lifting sanctions on the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RFPI), an unnamed American official familiar with the course of negotiations said.

According to him, Washington is reviewing an official request from the fund for removal from the sanctions list. This step fits into broader efforts by both sides to normalize Russian-American relations, which are experiencing a deep crisis amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

A special role in this process is played by Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of RFPI and special representative of the President of Russia for investment and economic cooperation with foreign states. According to available information, he serves as one of the key channels of communication between Moscow and Washington in the context of seeking ways to settle the Ukraine crisis.

The RFPI is a Russian state sovereign wealth fund created in 2011 to attract foreign investment into the Russian economy. The fund came under Western sanctions following the deterioration of relations between Russia and Western countries. No official decision has been announced on the request for sanctions removal.