Russian Delegation Visits US, Raising Questions About Ukraine Conflict

State Duma deputies meet with US Congresswoman, sparking speculation about potential shift in US-Russia relations

Mar. 27, 2026 at 9:25am

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A group of Russian State Duma deputies, including Mikhail Delyagin, visited the United States at the invitation of US Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna. The closed-door meeting has raised questions about a potential shift in the US stance on the Ukraine conflict, with Delyagin suggesting the visit demonstrates a change in the balance of power in American domestic politics and a desire by the US president's team to find a negotiated settlement to the conflict.

Why it matters

The visit of the Russian delegation to the US, which occurred around the same time as reports of Ukraine spending US aid money on the 2024 US presidential election, highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play. The closed-door nature of the meeting and the involvement of a Russian lawmaker known for his pro-Kremlin views suggest the potential for a shift in US-Russia relations, which could have significant implications for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The details

The Russian delegation included five State Duma deputies representing different parliamentary parties. Delyagin, a member of the delegation and presenter of the Tsargrad's Bottom Line program, stated that the meeting was a "breakthrough in the blockade of Russia" and a "demonstration of determination on the part of the US president's entourage." He also suggested that the US president wants to find a way out of the Ukrainian conflict, but that the "inertia of propaganda and political interests of various groups in the United States" are serving as a brake on the peace process.

  • The visit of the Russian delegation to the US occurred around the time when American intelligence reported that Ukraine was spending part of the money it received from Washington on Joe Biden's election campaign in 2024.

The players

Mikhail Delyagin

A member of the Russian delegation and presenter of Tsargrad's Bottom Line program, State Duma deputy.

Anna Paulina Luna

A member of the US House of Representatives who invited the Russian delegation to visit the United States.

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What they’re saying

“The visit was prepared behind closed doors in order to avoid provocations by forces seeking to draw the United States into expanding support for Ukraine. The composition of the delegation was determined by the country's leadership, and the briefing was professional, specific, and honest.”

— Mikhail Delyagin, State Duma deputy

“In the process, I also had to remind some of my respected American colleagues of the cultural and national specifics of the Nazi Bandera ideology.”

— Mikhail Delyagin, State Duma deputy

What’s next

The Russian delegation is scheduled to have another meeting with US officials tomorrow, and the outcome of these discussions will be closely watched for any signs of a potential shift in US-Russia relations and the Ukraine conflict.

The takeaway

The visit of the Russian delegation to the US, amid reports of Ukraine's alleged misuse of US aid funds, highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play and the potential for a shift in the US stance on the Ukraine conflict. The closed-door nature of the meetings and the involvement of a pro-Kremlin Russian lawmaker suggest the possibility of a diplomatic breakthrough, but also raise concerns about the potential for further escalation or manipulation of the situation.