US discusses return of American oil companies to Russia in Ukraine peace talks — FT
Steve Witkoff and Vladimir Putin (photo: Getty Images)
The teams of US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin focused on restoring the presence of American businesses in Russia's energy market, according to the Financial Times.
Journalists say discussions are taking place during peace negotiations aimed at ending Russia's war against Ukraine.
Potential agreements include:
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Resuming joint oil production in Russia's Far East under the Sakhalin-1 project
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Involving the United States in restoring Russian oil exports to Europe via the Druzhba pipeline.
Another focus is the possibility of resuming Russian titanium exports to the United States. The metal is used, among other things, in aircraft manufacturing.
A deal allowing American airlines to fly in transit through Russian airspace to reduce fuel costs is also under active discussion.
However, according to FT sources, the two sides differ significantly on the terms of cooperation. Moscow wants to restore economic ties with the United States as quickly as possible, while White House officials insist that any agreements must depend on ending the war in Ukraine.
"Economic agreements would be included in and subject to a comprehensive peace framework that stops the killing in this brutal war; nothing is finalized," one insider said.
Western diplomats believe the main obstacle to peace remains Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin's position. They believe he is not yet ready to halt hostilities in exchange for economic agreements with the United States.
"[For Putin – ed.], it's not about money. It's about humiliation and control," one source said.
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported on how the Russian president derailed negotiations with Norway and Finland.
Media outlets also recently revealed another secret element of the US-Russia talks.
In addition, find out why Norway's prime minister and Finland's president actually spoke with Putin.
