NYT: Trump administration considers new business ties with Russia

The Trump administration is considering pursuing separate business agreements with Russia before the war in Ukraine ends, The New York Times reported, citing two people close to the negotiations.

According to the newspaper, Washington is weighing economic incentives as a way to encourage Russian President Vladimir Putin to make compromises and revive efforts toward a peace agreement.

A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the Times that reaching agreements before the end of the war could demonstrate to Moscow that Washington is serious about restoring relations with Russia.

The potential shift would mark a departure from President Donald Trump’s previous position. Last year, Trump said U.S. businesses would not resume operations in Russia “until we resolve the war.”

The Times linked the change to a deadlock in negotiations over territory. Russia is seeking control over a substantial part of the Donbas, while Ukraine has been unwilling to accept those demands.

At the same time, Washington is maintaining economic pressure on Moscow. The U.S. Congress has approved a new sanctions bill targeting Russia’s energy sector that would give the administration the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying Russian oil and gas. Reuters and AP reported that the legislation includes such tariff provisions and is intended to increase pressure on Russia.

Alongside the pressure campaign, however, the Trump administration is considering economic incentives. Moscow has previously proposed projects involving rare-earth metals and aluminum, joint ventures in the Arctic, and the participation of U.S. companies in marketing Russian natural gas in Europe.

The specific business agreements Washington and Moscow might pursue have not been disclosed.

By Tamilla Hasanova