Trump administration weighs economic deals with Russia before Ukraine war ends – NYT

The Trump administration is contemplating signing economic and other agreements with Russia before the war in Ukraine concludes, according to The New York Times. The newspaper reported on September 17, citing anonymous sources. The United States might negotiate specific agreements with Moscow, even if a final peace deal remains elusive.

Administration supporters contend that this step would demonstrate that the U.S. is serious about reestablishing relations with Russia. The Times noted that U.S. special envoys Steve Witkowski and Jared Kushner are investigating alternative methods to advance ceasefire negotiations. The ongoing territorial dispute is a major hurdle.

Russian President Vladimir Putin insists on maintaining control over Ukrainian territories Moscow considers as part of its own, whereas Ukraine refuses to pull its troops from those areas. The report stated that potential areas for collaboration could include energy, investment, and other sectors where American and Russian firms could resume cooperation.

However, the administration remains divided over the strategy. Some officials suggest that providing economic incentives to Moscow to end the war could diminish Washington's leverage over the Kremlin. The U.S. sanctions policy further complicates the situation. Despite Washington's discussions about potential economic cooperation, it is simultaneously contemplating new restrictions aimed at the Russian economy and Kremlin revenue.

For now, possible agreements between the U.S. and Russia remain under discussion within the Trump administration and do not constitute official U.S. policy.