Key facts
- Trump is reportedly considering lifting sanctions against Russia's government investment fund.
- The White House is assessing how sanctions may be lifted to improve bilateral relations with Moscow and help end Russia's war against Ukraine.
- Russian officials have pushed for sanctions to be lifted due to the fund's involvement with Trump's diesel deal.
- Russia agreed to supply millions of tons of diesel fuel to the U.S. and global markets.
- Ukrainian officials fear the White House could explore a deal involving Russia's fertilizer industry.
U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering lifting sanctions against Russia's government investment fund, according to an Oct. 27 report by The New York Times citing an unnamed U.S. official. The White House is evaluating the possibility as a means to improve bilateral relations with Moscow and potentially facilitate an end to Russia's war in Ukraine. Russian officials have also advocated for the removal of these sanctions, citing the fund's connection to a diesel deal involving Trump. This consideration follows Trump's Oct. 9 announcement that Russia would supply millions of tons of diesel fuel to the U.S. and global markets. The first shipment of 40,000 metric tons of Russian diesel was reported to be en route to New York, with an expected arrival in early November. Additionally, Ukrainian officials have expressed concerns that the White House might explore a deal concerning Russia's fertilizer industry. Both Ukrainian and U.S. officials indicated that such proposals align with an strategy of offering Russia economic incentives to cease its military actions. Trilateral talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. are anticipated in early November, with Abu Dhabi as a potential venue, according to statements from President Zelensky and Yuri Ushakov, Putin's foreign policy aide.