President Trump is pushing to lift sanctions on Russia in a bold strategic move that could finally end the Ukraine war and has Europe scrambling to adjust to America’s new foreign policy direction.
At a Glance
- The White House has instructed State and Treasury Departments to create a list of sanctions that could be eased against Russia
- Proposal includes lifting restrictions on Russian legal entities, individuals, and oligarchs as part of diplomatic engagement strategy
- Trump could issue an executive order to lift some sanctions immediately, though congressional approval is needed for others
- European leaders are concerned, with EU Commission President von der Leyen stating sanctions relief should only come with Russia’s genuine commitment to peace
Trump Administration Crafting Strategic Sanctions Relief Plan
The Trump administration is developing a comprehensive plan to ease sanctions on Russia as part of a broader diplomatic push to resolve the Ukraine conflict. The White House has directed both the State and Treasury Departments to compile a detailed list of sanctions that could potentially be lifted or modified. This initiative represents a significant shift in American foreign policy, prioritizing direct engagement over punitive measures that have defined U.S.-Russia relations since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The sanctions relief proposal is remarkably broad in scope, encompassing restrictions on Russian legal entities, individuals, and oligarchs who have been targeted by Western sanctions. Former Treasury official John Smith confirmed the administration’s capabilities in this area, noting that “Trump could issue an executive order allowing his administration to begin easing some sanctions against Russia.” However, he clarified that congressional approval would be necessary for lifting sanctions on specific organizations.
White House Drafting Plan for Potential Russia Sanctions Relief
The White House has directed the State and Treasury Departments to draft a plan for potential sanctions relief for Russia, according to sources familiar with the matter. The proposal, which includes lifting…
— BRICS News (@BRICSinfo) March 3, 2025
European Concerns and Diplomatic Calculations
The potential shift in U.S. sanctions policy has triggered immediate concerns across European capitals, where leaders have maintained a united front with Washington against Russian aggression. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed caution about the timing of such moves, stating that “it is too early to talk about potentially lifting sanctions on Russia.” She emphasized that sanctions relief should be contingent upon Moscow demonstrating a genuine commitment to reaching a peaceful resolution with Ukraine.
What remains unclear is exactly what the Trump administration expects in return for easing these economic penalties. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested in February that Russia’s approach to negotiations would determine the extent of sanctions relief. Despite Moscow’s adaptation to wartime economic conditions, experts note that Russia remains vulnerable and would benefit significantly from Western sanctions relief, particularly in key sectors like technology and finance.
A New Approach to Ending the Ukraine Conflict
President Trump has been actively reshaping U.S. policy on Russia and Ukraine since taking office, including direct communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin and dispatching representatives to meet with Russian officials. This approach marks a clear departure from previous strategy. During a recent controversial meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump delivered blunt messages about American expectations, telling the Ukrainian leader, “You either make a deal, or we’re out. You don’t have the cards.”
The sanctions relief strategy appears to be part of a broader economic and geopolitical calculation. Moscow has signaled interest in economic cooperation with the United States, particularly in the rare earth metals sector – an area where Trump has also sought agreements with Ukraine. The Kremlin views these developments positively, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov noting that “The new administration is rapidly changing all foreign policy configurations. This largely aligns with our vision.” For Trump, the approach represents his dealmaker philosophy applied to international relations – using America’s economic leverage to reshape geopolitical outcomes.
Whether this sanctions relief strategy will succeed in ending the Ukraine conflict remains to be seen. What’s clear is that President Trump is implementing a dramatically different approach to one of the most significant geopolitical challenges of our time. By leveraging America’s economic power through the strategic application – and potential lifting – of sanctions, the administration is attempting to create new diplomatic openings where previous strategies have failed to produce lasting results.
