Moscow – Reuters

Russian investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev confirmed on Saturday that some countries will make “massive efforts” to obstruct the meeting announced by US President Donald Trump with Russian President Vladimir Putin scheduled for mid-month.

Trump earlier said that Russia and Ukraine are close to reaching a ceasefire agreement that could end the conflict ongoing for three and a half years.

The content of the agreement has not been disclosed, but it may require Ukraine to give up large areas of its territory, which is opposed by several European countries. Dmitriev accused unnamed countries of seeking to prolong the war.

In a Telegram post, he said: “There is no doubt that a number of countries wishing to continue the conflict will make massive efforts to obstruct the scheduled meeting between President Putin and President Trump,” clarifying that these efforts mean “provocations and misinformation.”

Dmitriev did not specify the countries or the types of “provocations” they might undertake. The Kremlin also confirmed plans to hold the summit.

Putin’s aide Yuri Ushakov said the leaders “will focus on discussing options to reach a long-term peaceful solution to the Ukrainian crisis.”

He added: “Certainly, this process will be difficult, but we will participate positively and enthusiastically.”