Open to the economic cooperation with Russia while the war in Ukraine is still ongoing. It is the hypothesis that, according to the New York Times, is taking shape at the White House in an attempt to break the diplomatic stalemate. The American newspaper, citing two people familiar with the talks, reports that the administration Trump is considering making deals with Moscow without waiting for a comprehensive agreement on peace. The goal would be to demonstrate to the Kremlin that Washington truly intends to rebuild bilateral relations. Commercial opportunities could thus push a part of the Russian elite to support an end to the conflict, easing the resistance of those most hostile to the United States.
This would be a change from Trump's previous position, which had made the resumption of business dependent on the end of the war. Now, economic incentives could become a tool for reaching an agreement, rather than a reward to be offered only afterwards.
Donbas remains the crux of the negotiations
Behind this opening lies the difficulty of reconciling the Russian territorial claims with Kiev's position. Putin continues to demand control of territories in Donbas from which Ukraine does not intend to withdraw. News describes a confrontation that occurred during the visit of American envoys to the Kremlin Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, on September 5. The Russian president reportedly predicted the conquest of the entire Donbas within a few months and new attacks on the Ukrainian power grid. Kushner responded by reminding him that similar predictions had already been made in a previous meeting, questioning the usefulness of further prolonging the conflict.
Speaking later via video link to an international meeting in Kiev, Kushner acknowledged that the Ukrainian withdrawal requested by Moscow remains a crucial obstacle. The United States, in its reconstruction, should find a solution that allows both sides to move forward, despite the strong skepticism among Ukraine's supporters.
Energy and investments: openings under consideration
It is not yet clear what agreements are actually on the table. After the September talks, Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov reported that they had been in-depth economic topics and possible joint projects between Russia and the United States. The proposals put forward by Moscow since Trump's return to the White House have concerned rare earths, aluminum, Arctic initiatives, and the possible involvement of American companies in the sale of Russian gas to Europe. These overtures outline the Kremlin's interests, but they do not amount to already-defined agreements.
Resta però una internal division within the administration on the timing of the opening. Some officials fear that rushing the economic benefits could reduce pressure on Russia without achieving sufficient progress on the war front.
Sanctions and the possibility of new talks
The incentive strategy is accompanied by a push for different sign coming from CongressUS lawmakers have approved a measure that would allow the president to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that purchase the largest quantities of Russian oil or gas, as well as sanctions against Russian officials, businessmen, and financial institutions. And Trump has indicated he intends to sign it. A shortcoming of the project.
The framework of restrictions therefore remains crucial to any economic project. Republicans and Democrats in favor of the new measures, along with Kiev and its European allies, advocate increasing pressure on the Kremlin to force it to compromise.
Meanwhile, according to Ukrainian officials, Trilateral negotiations between the United States, Ukraine, and Russia could resume in OctoberAmong the options up for discussion are limited truces, with a halt to attacks on energy infrastructure or shipping in the Black Sea. These are limited steps, while the prospect of comprehensive peace remains tied to the issue of territories.
