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The administration of US President Donald Trump is considering easing sanctions against Russia in an effort to restore diplomatic ties with Moscow and help end the war in Ukraine. This was reported to Reuters by a US official and another source familiar with the situation.
According to reports, the White House has instructed the State Department and the Treasury Department to develop a list of sanctions that could be partially lifted to be negotiated with the Russian side. This move is part of the Trump administration’s broader strategy to improve relations with the Kremlin and strengthen economic cooperation.
According to Reuters sources, US government agencies are currently preparing proposals to ease sanctions on individuals and companies, including Russian oligarchs. Although such “option papers” are standard practice in sanctions policy, this particular request from the White House indicates the Trump administration’s active desire to find a compromise with Moscow.
It is not yet known what concessions Washington may demand in exchange for the lifting of restrictions. As a reminder, the sanctions imposed by the United States after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 have had a significant impact on the Russian economy, restricting its access to global financial markets and curbing revenues from the energy sector.
Since 2022, Russia has been able to adapt to sanctions by increasing military spending and industrial production. At the same time, analysts warn that its economy remains vulnerable and needs to ease Western restrictions for stable development.
Interestingly, back in January, Trump announced his intention to tighten sanctions against Moscow if Vladimir Putin did not agree to end the war. However, recent statements by US officials indicate a change in rhetoric. For example, on 20 February, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in an interview with Bloomberg Television admitted the possibility of economic concessions for Russia if the negotiations between Washington and Moscow reach a constructive level. On 26 February, Trump himself also told reporters that sanctions could be eased “at some point”.
It remains to be seen what the official US policy on sanctions will be and how it will affect the situation in Ukraine. Further talks between Washington and Moscow will determine whether this will be the first step towards a fundamental change in the West’s strategy in dealing with the Kremlin.
