Washington: The U.S. government is drafting a potential plan for easing sanctions on Russia as President Donald Trump seeks to mend diplomatic ties with Moscow and push for 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 compile a list of sanctions that could be lifted, setting the stage for discussions between U.S. and Russian officials in the coming days. This move aligns with the administration’s broader strategy to improve diplomatic and economic relations with Russia, the sources said.
Officials working on sanctions policy frequently prepare “options papers,” but the White House’s specific request for one signals a tangible interest in offering Moscow economic relief in exchange for diplomatic concessions. The proposal is expected to include the potential removal of sanctions on certain Russian entities and individuals, including oligarchs.
It remains unclear what Washington may seek in return for any relaxation of sanctions. The White House, State Department, Treasury Department, and the Russian Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Shifting U.S.-Russia Relations
Under President Joe Biden, U.S.-Russia relations had deteriorated significantly. Biden, a Democrat, had provided military and financial aid to Ukraine while imposing harsh economic sanctions on Moscow as punishment for its 2022 invasion. The Kremlin had described the relationship under Biden as being at a historic low.
However, Trump, who has vowed to bring the war to a swift end, has moved quickly to establish dialogue with Russian officials. His outreach began with a February 12 phone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin, followed by U.S.-Russia meetings in Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
Initially, Trump warned that he would escalate sanctions if Moscow refused to negotiate a peace settlement. But in recent weeks, members of his administration have openly suggested that easing sanctions could be an option.
During a February 20 interview with Bloomberg Television, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that Russia could receive economic relief depending on its stance in negotiations. Trump himself told reporters on February 26 that sanctions could be lifted “at some point.”
Economic Considerations and Strategic Interests
The White House’s request for a sanctions relief proposal came just days before Trump extended a state of emergency over Ukraine. The emergency measures, which target assets and individuals linked to Russia’s military actions, have been in place since March 2014, following Russia’s annexation of Crimea under then-President Barack Obama.
It remains uncertain which specific sanctions the administration may lift first. According to John Smith, a partner at Morrison Foerster law firm and former head of the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, Trump could issue an executive order to begin easing sanctions, but some measures—particularly those targeting Russian entities—would require congressional approval.
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Despite its wartime economy fueled by increased military spending and industrial production, Russia remains economically vulnerable and could benefit from Western sanctions relief. The Kremlin has signaled its openness to economic collaboration, particularly in the rare earth metals sector. Last week, Moscow highlighted its significant reserves of these critical minerals, hinting at potential cooperation with the U.S.
Any formal economic agreement with Russia would likely require an easing of sanctions. Meanwhile, Trump has also been exploring a minerals deal with Ukraine, which holds significant lithium and rare earth metal deposits. However, a high-profile Oval Office meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday ended without an agreement.
