The United States is preparing a potential plan to ease sanctions on Russia, as President Donald Trump seeks to re-establish ties with Moscow and push for an end to the war in Ukraine, according to sources cited by Reuters.
The White House has reportedly instructed the State Department and the Treasury Department to compile a list of sanctions that could be relaxed. This initiative is intended to facilitate discussions between U.S. and Russian officials as part of broader negotiations aimed at improving diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations.
According to sources familiar with the matter, U.S. agencies responsible for sanctions enforcement are currently drafting proposals to remove restrictions on select Russian entities and individuals, including certain oligarchs. The move signals the Trump administration’s willingness to consider easing punitive measures in the context of potential agreements with Moscow.
Unclear Terms for Sanctions Relief
It remains uncertain what specific concessions Washington might seek from Russia in exchange for lifting sanctions. The directive to review potential sanctions relief was reportedly issued before Trump extended the national emergency related to Ukraine last week.
This state of emergency, first introduced in 2014 by then-President Barack Obama, imposes sanctions on individuals and assets linked to Russia’s war efforts. The measures were originally implemented following Moscow’s annexation of Crimea and have since been expanded in response to Russia’s ongoing involvement in Ukraine.
In January, Trump had threatened to impose stricter sanctions on Russia should President Vladimir Putin refuse to engage in negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. However, in recent weeks, key administration officials have openly acknowledged the possibility of easing restrictions.
Signals from Trump Administration Officials
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested in a February 20 interview with Bloomberg Television that Moscow could receive economic relief depending on its approach to upcoming negotiations. Trump himself told reporters on February 26 that sanctions against Russia “could be eased at some point.”
The discussions over sanctions relief mark a significant shift in the Trump administration’s stance on Russia policy, potentially reshaping U.S. strategy towards the war in Ukraine. While the White House has not officially confirmed the existence of a sanctions rollback plan, these reports indicate a readiness to reconsider Washington’s approach to economic restrictions on Moscow.
