U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration offered Russia a number of economic concessions, including the possibility of unfreezing billions of dollars in frozen assets, in order to secure a partial ceasefire in the war against Ukraine. The New York Times reports this, citing officials familiar with the course of the negotiations, writes UNN.
Details
According to the publication’s sources, Washington considered three economic incentives that could persuade Moscow to agree to halt strikes on energy infrastructure or to a maritime truce.
In particular, the American side discussed unfreezing billions of dollars in Russian assets. Moreover, the funds were offered to be released in advance—before the truce actually began, rather than as a reward for complying with the agreements.
What other concessions were offered to Moscow
According to the NYT, American negotiators also revisited a plan to sell the foreign assets of Russia’s "Lukoil." A group of Middle Eastern investors was considered as potential buyers, including individuals with business ties to representatives of the American negotiating team.
Another proposal concerned Belarus. The United States considered the possibility of restoring exports of Belarusian potash fertilizers, which could have provided an additional economic incentive for the Kremlin’s ally.
It is currently unknown what stage these negotiations are at. At the same time, NYT sources claim that in September, Ukrainian officials were struck by the scale of the concessions that Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were prepared to offer Russia.