Donald Trump is considering economic agreements with Russia before ending the war in Ukraine (New York Times)

The Donald Trump administration is considering the possibility of trade agreements with Russia before the fighting in Ukraine stops, in an attempt to persuade Vladimir Putin to accept negotiations and a possible ceasefire. The plan is being discussed in Washington, while the United States Congress is promoting severe sanctions against Moscow.

The change in approach was disclosed by American officials and diplomatic sources cited by The New York Times. The White House is reportedly considering partnerships in rare metals and aluminum, investments in the Arctic region, and the involvement of American companies in distributing Russian gas to Europe.

The proposals were discussed in the context of emissaries Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner’s visit to Moscow. During the meeting with Putin, Kushner reportedly expressed frustration over the lack of progress after the Russian leader claimed that his army would take control of Donbas within a few months and strike Ukrainian energy infrastructure before winter.

The White House’s economic strategy contrasts with the bill backed by a bipartisan majority in Congress, which would allow tariffs of up to 100% on countries that buy Russian oil and gas. Trump has indicated that he will enact the sanctions, but his administration hopes that economic incentives will facilitate a reset of relations with Moscow.

New trilateral negotiations between the United States, Ukraine, and Russia could take place in October, with the objective of a limited ceasefire concerning energy infrastructure and trade routes in the Black Sea.