The Kremlin said on Tuesday that a senior Russian aide to President Vladimir Putin, along with the head of the Main Directorate of Intelligence (GRU), will join a series of talks in Washington with U.S. and Ukrainian officials. The meetings, scheduled for next week, are aimed at addressing the conflict in eastern Ukraine, including ceasefire arrangements, prisoner exchanges and humanitarian access. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that the participation demonstrates Russia’s willingness to engage in diplomatic solutions. U.S. officials welcomed the invitation, stressing that constructive dialogue is essential, while Ukrainian representatives expressed cautious optimism that the presence of senior Russian figures could help move negotiations forward. The talks are part of a broader diplomatic effort that also involves meetings with European partners.