The U.S. government is studying ways it could ease sanctions on Russia’s energy sector as part of a broad plan to enable Washington to deliver swift relief if Moscow agrees to end the Ukraine war.
That’s according to Reuters, citing two sources familiar with the matter, Ukrinform reports.
“The White House has asked the Treasury Department to explore options for easing energy sanctions ahead of expected talks between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the Ukraine war,” the article reads.
The previous U.S. administration tried to deprive Russia of financial revenues necessary for waging the war by imposing sanctions on the Russian energy sector, which is considered one of the most profitable for the Russian economy.
Earlier in the week, the United States was drawing up plans to potentially lift Russian sanctions on select entities and individuals, but it was not clear at the time whether the initiative would include Russia’s enormous oil and gas industry.