Trump Administration Weighs Economic Deals with Russia to Incentivize Ukraine Peace
The US administration is considering economic deals with Russia before a ceasefire in Ukraine to incentivize Vladimir Putin to end the war, despite a recent congressional push for heavy sanctions.
The administration of US President Donald Trump is considering signing economic deals with Russia before a ceasefire is reached in Ukraine. This approach is part of an effort to offer incentives that could persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war, according to a report by The New York Times.
Shift in Strategy and Diplomatic Push
According to the report, which cites individuals familiar with the negotiations and a US official, this move marks a shift from Donald Trump's position last year. Previously, the stance was that commercial deals would only be advanced after the conflict was fully resolved. Now, with Kyiv unwilling to cede territories in the Donbas region claimed by Moscow, Trump's envoys—Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner—are exploring new ways to advance an agreement.
The White House's current focus on offering incentives to Moscow contrasts with the hardline stance taken by the US Congress. Lawmakers recently passed a bipartisan bill imposing heavy sanctions on Russia's energy sector, including potential tariffs of up to 100 percent on countries purchasing its oil and gas.
Kremlin Meeting and Renewed Contacts
You told us exactly the same thing a year ago. What are the chances we will return here in a year and you will say the same thing again? Maybe we shouldn't waste a year.
— Jared Kushner to Vladimir Putin
During a meeting between Witkoff, Kushner, and Putin in Moscow on September 5, the Russian leader expressed confidence that his forces would capture the entire Donbas region within months while striking Ukraine's power grid ahead of winter. In response, Kushner challenged Putin on the timeline and effectiveness of continuing the military campaign.
Following rounds of talks in Moscow and Kyiv, Ukrainian officials reported that tripartite peace negotiations involving the United States, Ukraine, and Russia could resume next month. The discussions aim to explore a framework for a limited ceasefire, which would include halting attacks on energy infrastructure and grain shipments in the Black Sea.
