St. petersburg: The signing of a pact to continue designing a tunnel across the Russia-US Bering Strait is set to take place on Friday, as confirmed by a Russian presidential envoy. Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Kirill Dmitriev highlighted the ongoing discussions between Moscow and Washington regarding the "Putin-Trump Tunnel" project, which aims to connect the two countries.

According to Anadolu Agency, Dmitriev announced, "This will be one of the major infrastructure projects between our countries. As for the tunnel, we will have news tomorrow - we are signing an agreement to continue the design of the tunnel." He further mentioned that he had a phone conversation with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law, which took place "just yesterday." The call centered on economic cooperation between the two nations, as reported by state news agency Tass.

Dmitriev emphasized the ongoing dialogue, stating, "The American side is trying to promote peace, and the American side is telling the Ukrainian side that they need to embrace peace - not constant provocation and confrontation," in reference to the Russia-Ukraine war, which has persisted for five years. He also noted that Russia and the US are exploring various economic initiatives and potential investment projects beneficial to both countries.

US officials, including Witkoff and Kushner, have not publicly confirmed the phone call. Earlier this week, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow is maintaining contacts with Washington, although discussions on the Russia-Ukraine war are currently stalled. Peskov added that Russia would continue its military actions in Ukraine if Kyiv persists in delaying the peace process by refusing genuine peace talks and serious decisions for a peaceful settlement.

Separately, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented on Wednesday that the prospects for ending the Ukraine war remain bleak, as both Moscow and Kyiv refuse to compromise.