The White House is drafting a plan to ease Russian sanctions, sparking fears of a major foreign policy shift

The Trump administration is working on a plan to ease economic sanctions on Russia, raising questions about what the U.S. might be offering Moscow in return. According to sources familiar with the matter, the White House has directed the State and Treasury Departments to prepare options for rolling back penalties imposed after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Officials have begun drafting a proposal that could lift restrictions on select Russian entities and oligarchs. While options papers are a routine part of policy discussions, the White House’s direct request signals Trump’s willingness to consider major sanctions relief as part of his diplomatic efforts. However, it remains unclear what the U.S. might demand from Russia in exchange.

A New Approach to Russia?

Trump has made no secret of his desire to reset U.S.-Russia relations. Since taking office, he has moved quickly to engage Moscow, holding talks with Russian officials in Saudi Arabia and Turkey. His outreach began with a phone call to President Vladimir Putin on 12 February, marking a stark contrast to the icy relations under Joe Biden, who backed Ukraine with military aid and imposed crippling sanctions on Moscow.

During a recent interview, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent openly acknowledged the possibility of lifting economic restrictions on Russia, depending on the progress of negotiations. Trump himself told reporters last week that sanctions relief could come “at some point,” though no timeline was provided.

If Trump decides to act, he could issue an executive order to begin rolling back some sanctions. However, Congress would have to approve the removal of certain measures—an obstacle given the bipartisan skepticism towards Russia.

Sanctions and the War Economy

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Western nations have targeted its economy with severe sanctions. A $60-per-barrel price cap on Russian oil exports, along with direct sanctions on energy firms and shipping vessels, aimed to weaken Moscow’s ability to fund the war.

Despite these efforts, Russia has adapted, ramping up military spending and industrial production to sustain its war effort. But experts warn that its economy remains fragile and in dire need of Western relief.

Putin has hinted at economic cooperation with the U.S., particularly in the development of rare earth metals—critical materials used in technology and defence industries. Meanwhile, Trump has explored a minerals deal with Ukraine, which holds vast lithium and rare earth deposits. However, an explosive Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy last week ended without an agreement.

What’s Next?

Trump’s potential sanctions rollback is already stirring controversy. Critics argue that easing restrictions would give Putin an economic lifeline without securing meaningful concessions in return. Supporters claim it could be a strategic move to incentivise peace talks and stabilise energy markets.

The White House has yet to clarify its exact demands, but if sanctions relief moves forward, it could mark one of the most dramatic shifts in U.S. foreign policy in recent history.