Trump Explores Lifting Russia Sanctions While Kremlin Awaits ‘Normalization’
Russia expects sanctions relief as President Trump directs officials to identify restrictions that could be lifted—a startling but not surprising policy shift that comes shortly after the White House showdown between Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which resulted in Trump pausing aid to Ukraine days later.
According to Reuters reporting, the Trump administration is developing plans that could lift sanctions on Russian individuals, entities, and oligarchs. This effort includes instructions to the State and Treasury departments to identify which restrictions might be removed during upcoming diplomatic discussions.
Responding to this report, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday: “We have not heard any official statements, but in any case, our attitude towards sanctions is well known, we consider them illegal. And, of course, if we talk about normalising bilateral relations, they need to be freed from this negative burden of so-called sanctions.”
Peskov’s statement, which showed no surprise at the potential sanctions relief, suggests Moscow views the Trump administration’s approach as an opportunity to normalize relations on terms favorable to Russia.
Since taking office in January, President Trump has initiated several diplomatic overtures toward Moscow. He spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 12 and subsequently sent American representatives to meet with Russian officials in Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
While Trump warned in January about potentially increasing sanctions if Russia refused to negotiate on Ukraine, his administration’s rhetoric has since devolved. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated in a February 20 Bloomberg interview that sanctions relief could be possible depending on Russia’s approach to negotiations. Kyiv Independent also highlighted that President Trump himself acknowledged on February 26 that easing restrictions remained “an option.”
According to Reuters sources, the White House requested the sanctions relief options before Trump extended an emergency declaration related to the Ukraine conflict. This declaration, which has been in place since Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea, provides legal authority for imposing sanctions on entities involved in the conflict.
Information for this story was found via Reuters, Kyiv Independent, and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
