According to a US official, Washington believes that early business agreements could demonstrate to Moscow the seriousness of the US intentions to renew relations with Russia.
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This approach differs from D. Trump’s position expressed earlier. Last year, the US president stated that the United States would not make major economic agreements with Russia until the war is resolved.
Now the US administration seems to be trying to combine pressure on the Kremlin with potential economic benefits.
US sanctions
The US Congress has passed a broad bill on new sanctions against Russia. On Wednesday, the House of Representatives approved the document by 262 votes to 159 after it was approved by the Senate in August.
The bill provides for stricter restrictions on Russia’s energy and financial sectors, Russian government officials, banks, and the so-called “shadow fleet.” In addition, the US president is given the authority to impose up to 100% tariffs on countries that purchase Russian energy resources. The document has already been sent to D. Trump for signing.
Thus, Washington is considering two measures at once to influence Moscow – tightening sanctions and possible economic incentives.
Supporters of sanctions in Congress believe that increased economic pressure should force the Kremlin to agree to negotiations. At the same time, the White House is looking for additional ways to convince Russian leadership to end the war.
What agreements might be offered to Moscow?
According to the publication, a specific list of possible agreements has not yet been disclosed.
After V. Putin’s meeting with D. Trump’s special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Moscow, Kremlin advisor Yuri Ushakov said that the countries discussed economic issues in detail and potential large Russian and US projects.
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Russia has long sought to offer Washington various economic cooperation options – from joint extraction projects to cooperation in the Arctic and energy trade.
According to sources related to the negotiations, D. Trump’s team believes that certain agreements even before the end of the war could convince part of the Russian elite of the realism of improving future relations with the US.
Negotiations
The issue of territories remains the main obstacle. In recent negotiations, the Russian side stubbornly insisted on its demands for control over the Donetsk region. Ukraine refuses to voluntarily give up the territories it controls.
According to J. Kushner, the task of the US administration as a mediator is to find a solution that would allow both sides to move forward.
The new Washington approach may indicate an attempt to change tactics after negotiations on territorial concessions reached a deadlock.
Ukrainian officials have previously reported that US-mediated negotiations could resume soon. Possible topics include a limited cessation of strikes on energy infrastructure or shipping in the Black Sea.
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