The United States is preparing a plan to ease sanctions on Russia as President Trump moves to restore ties with Moscow and negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine, according to a U.S. official and another source familiar with the matter. The White House has directed the State and Treasury departments to draft a list of sanctions that could be lifted, with discussions expected to take place with Russian representatives in the coming days.
The proposal reportedly includes relief for select Russian entities and individuals, including some oligarchs. While options papers on sanctions are routine, the White House’s request signals Trump’s willingness to use sanctions relief as leverage in negotiations with Moscow.
Relations between the U.S. and Russia had hit historic lows under Joe Biden, who imposed strict sanctions while backing Ukraine with military aid. Since taking office, Trump has shifted course, initiating talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin via a February 12 phone call, followed by U.S.-Russia meetings in Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested in a recent interview that economic relief for Russia could be on the table depending on how negotiations progress. Trump himself told reporters on February 26 that sanctions could be eased “at some point.”
The administration’s move comes just days after Trump extended a state of emergency over Ukraine, which maintains sanctions first imposed in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has signaled interest in economic cooperation, particularly in developing its rare earth metal deposits—a sector where a deal with the U.S. would likely require sanctions relief.
