On Sunday, local time, President Trump's envoy, Steve Wietrof, stated that if a peace agreement is reached for the Russia-Ukraine war, the United States might ease sanctions on Russia, potentially allowing American companies to return to the Russian market. Wietrof noted that once a peace agreement is reached, many expect American companies to re-enter Russia, which would be viewed positively.
Since Trump took office, ending the Russia-Ukraine war has been a priority of his foreign policy. Trump has recently been actively pushing for a ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine, engaging in phone conversations with both Russian President Putin and Ukrainian President Zelensky. The goal of Trump and his team is to bring the war to an early end through peaceful negotiations.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant also recently stated that if Russia is willing to negotiate ending the war, the U.S. might consider easing some sanctions on Russia. He added that the adjustment of sanctions would be closely linked to the progression of the Russia-Ukraine war.
As U.S.-Russia relations have shown signs of easing, U.S. government officials recently met with top Russian officials in Saudi Arabia to discuss matters in Ukraine's absence. This move marks a potential turning point in U.S.-Russia relations.
Additionally, the Trump administration recently proposed a minerals agreement with Ukraine, requesting priority access to Ukraine's strategic minerals as compensation for U.S. aid. Although Ukrainian President Zelensky has refused to sign the agreement, the Trump administration remains optimistic, believing that Zelensky will eventually agree to the deal. Besant noted that Trump's "angry" stance towards Zelensky might facilitate reaching an agreement.
Wietrof and Besant, in recent statements, indicated that Ukraine is expected to reach an agreement with the U.S. on the minerals deal this week. Andriy Yermak, the Chief of Staff of the Ukrainian President's Office, stated that Ukraine is actively engaging in constructive dialogue with the U.S. in preparation for signing the agreement. Zelensky also revealed that Ukraine has begun auditing its underground mineral resources, which is a preliminary step towards signing the agreement with the U.S.
