{
  "id": 9821013,
  "title": "Washington’s Russia Sanctions Have Become Negotiating Currency",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/washingtons-russia-sanctions-have-become-negotiating-currency",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-25T14:06:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "UATV English",
    "slug": "uatv-english",
    "url": "https://uatv.ua/en/washington-s-russia-sanctions-have-become-negotiating-currency/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The United States is increasingly using sanctions against Russia as a tool in diplomatic negotiations, prompting a crucial question for Ukraine: what is expected of Moscow before economic restrictions are lifted? This issue came to the forefront following a September trip to Moscow by a U.S. Treasury sanctions official, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner. The presence of these figures suggested that the sanctions were being discussed as part of the dialogue. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has also publicly acknowledged that sanctions can be adjusted depending on Russia's actions.\n\nIn addition, Congress has bolstered the legal framework for U.S. pressure on Russia. On September 18, President Donald Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act into law. This legislation targets Russian officials, banks, the energy sector, and the shadow fleet, while also granting the president the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major oil and gas buyers and countries aiding in sanctions evasion. However, not all measures are automatic; much of the tariff authority remains discretionary, which means the U.S. still has the flexibility to use sanctions as leverage without necessarily altering the legislation.\n\nFor Ukraine, the central concern is how the easing of sanctions is tied to Russia's actions. Kyiv is interested in negotiations that include sanctions, but there is a worry that Moscow could receive economic benefits simply for attending talks without making substantial ground-level changes. A potential solution could involve gradually increasing sanctions relief, with restrictions verified independently and automatically restored if Russia breaches its commitments. This approach would ensure that sanctions remain a form of leverage throughout the negotiation process, rather than being exhausted at the beginning.\n\nThe situation is further complicated by the role of Europe. The European Union holds a significant portion of Russia's frozen sovereign assets and oversees key aspects of the European energy and financial systems. Any substantial U.S. concession would thus need to be considered within a comprehensive transatlantic framework. For Ukraine, the key questions revolve around what Russia must do initially, whether these actions can be independently verified, and whether sanctions would revert if Russia were to backtrack. The answers to these questions will determine whether sanctions serve as negotiating leverage or are granted as concessions before an agreement is finalized.",
  "summary": "Washington is increasingly treating sanctions against Russia as a diplomatic instrument, raising a key question for Ukraine: what should Moscow have to do before economic restrictions are eased? The issue gained attention after a U.S. Treasury sanctions official joined Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on their September trip to Moscow. His presence suggested that sanctions were part of the…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}