• The U.S. is drafting a plan for potential sanctions relief for Russia amid President Trump's efforts to improve diplomatic relations.
• Trump criticized Ukrainian President Zelenskyy for his statements on the ongoing conflict with Russia.
• Controversial discussions may see sanctions lifted on specific Russian entities, including oligarchs, depending on negotiation outcomes.
• The Kremlin welcomed the discord in U.S.-Ukrainian relations, interpreting it as a sign of waning support for Kyiv.
• Despite ongoing sanctions, Russia is looking for economic cooperation and relief in the wake of Western measures.

The United States is strategically considering a plan that could lead to the easing of sanctions against Russia, as President Donald Trump aims to restore diplomatic relations with Moscow and facilitate an end to the conflict in Ukraine, according to multiple sources, including Reuters. As part of this initiative, the White House has tasked the State and Treasury Departments with compiling a list of sanctions eligible for reduction, prompting discussions between U.S. officials and their Russian counterparts to examine possible shifts in diplomatic and economic dialogues.

Simultaneously, Trump expressed strong disapproval of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy following comments the latter made regarding the uncertainty surrounding a peace deal with Russia. Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump referred to Zelenskyy's assertion that a resolution to the war was “very, very far away” as “the worst statement that could have been made,” indicating a potential strain in relations. This clash came shortly after a heated encounter in the Oval Office, where Trump and Vice President JD Vance accused Zelenskyy of ungratefulness towards U.S. support, further complicating the dynamics between the two nations.

As the Trump administration examines potential sanctions relief, higher hopes from the Kremlin coincided with the discord, with officials in Moscow interpreting the discontent as an opportunity to challenge U.S. support for Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov underscored the implications of U.S. political turmoil on peace negotiations, stating that the recent events clearly demonstrated Ukraine's reluctance to settle the ongoing conflict. The validation of such assumptions by Russia could ignite concerns over the future of U.S. aid to Kyiv.

Reports indicate that the Trump administration might propose lifting sanctions on specific Russian entities and oligarchs, pointing to a strategic pivot in U.S. foreign policy. While the parameters of any negotiations remain unspecified, easing sanctions could potentially stabilize global oil prices, particularly if the administration opts to tackle Iranian oil exports in tandem. This comes as discussions on lifting sanctions could also hinge on how Russia engages in upcoming negotiations.

Historically, U.S. sanctions imposed since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 have been geared towards crippling the nation's oil revenue and suppressing military funding. As part of these measures, a cap of $60 per barrel was instituted on Russian oil exports, alongside various other restrictions. However, the Trump administration has recently hinted at a possible reconsideration of these sanctions, reflecting an effort to realign U.S. strategy concerning Moscow.

While several routes exist for potential sanctions relief, from executive orders to Congress needing to approve more significant measures, experts assert that while Russia may have adapted economically since the invasion, its reliance on Western markets remains a necessity for long-term sustainability. Such shifts in policy could invite more complex interactions and negotiations in the near future, affecting geopolitical landscapes.

For more details, visit Channel News Asia and India Times.