President Vladimir Putin on Sunday appointed Kirill Dmitriev, the chief of Russia's sovereign wealth fund, as a special envoy on international economic and investment cooperation. A presidential decree announcing the appointment of Dmitriev,

But, from Mr Putin’s point of view, he had good reason to be part of it. As the boss of one of Russia’s state-backed investment funds, Mr Dmitriev has been cutting deals for more than a decade. Mr Putin wants America to loosen sanctions on his economy.

A mix of stories lead Friday's newspaper front pages, including the latest in the rift between the US and Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested on Wednesday that a Ukrainian drone attack on the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) pumping station in southern Russia might have been coordinated with its Western allies.

This comes after US President Donald Trump has repeatedly pushed for Ukraine to give up some of its minerals in exchange for support, in a deal which is currently being finalised, according to a Ukrainian minister.

Speaking in Munich last week, America’s vice-president, J.D. Vance, offered a taste of how the home of fine wines, classical architecture and welfare cheques faces humiliation, when he ridiculed Europe as decadent and undemocratic.

Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) on Tuesday said Vladimir Putin should be “in jail for the rest of his life, if not executed,” as President Donald Trump appears to be seeking closer ties with the Russian leader.

"There can be no settlement" without involving Kyiv, Bridget Phillipson tells BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg.

Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, has gained significant access to Vladimir Putin's inner circle through his personal relationships.

Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin (Okla.) joins Meet the Press for an exclusive interview to discuss how President Trump is trying to end the war between Ukraine and Russia.

China and Russia “cannot be moved away” from one another, Chinese leader Xi Jinping told his counterpart Vladimir Putin Monday, in their first phone call since US President Donald Trump upended American foreign policy with a sweeping pivot toward Moscow as he pushes for peace in Ukraine.