The United States is planning to lift some of the sanctions imposed on Russia. New U.S. President Donald Trump aims to improve relations with Moscow and end the war in Ukraine. These efforts are part of his strategy to achieve these goals.
According to Reuters on Tuesday (March 4), the White House has directed the State and Treasury Departments to prepare a list of sanctions on Russia. Some of the sanctions on this list may be lifted. In the coming days, officials from Moscow and Washington are expected to meet to discuss improving diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries.
Following the White House directive, officials have already started working on proposals to lift sanctions on specific Russian entities and individuals, including oligarchs. However, it is unclear what the U.S. might expect in return from Russia.
Russia is one of the world’s largest oil producers. If the U.S. lifts sanctions on Russia’s oil industry, it could help stabilize rising energy prices.
In 2022, after Russia invaded Ukraine, then-President Joe Biden and his administration imposed hundreds of sanctions on Moscow. However, since taking office, President Trump has focused on rebuilding positive relations with Russia. Less than a month after his inauguration, on February 12, he spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin and promised to end the Russia-Ukraine war quickly.