US President Donald Trump remains open to developing economic ties with Russia if a peace settlement is reached in Ukraine, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing sources, according to TASS.
According to the newspaper, Trump first wants to secure a de-escalation in fighting between Russia and Ukraine and then present Moscow with a new proposal for a longer-lasting ceasefire. WSJ sources say the White House sees economic incentives as one possible tool to advance negotiations.
US officials told the paper that this also involves an arrangement related to supplies of Russian diesel fuel. In their view, such a step could help lower fuel prices in the United States while also offering Russia an economic incentive to engage in talks.
At the same time, the newspaper said Ukrainian and European officials are unhappy with Washington’s actions, particularly after threats to halt intelligence sharing with Kyiv and amid restrictions affecting the operation of the Starlink satellite communications system in Ukraine. The White House declined to comment to the paper on Starlink access.
WSJ said the White House maintained that the president and his team are prepared to continue playing a constructive role in ending the war between Russia and Ukraine and remain optimistic about the prospects for a peace agreement. Earlier, Serhii Beskrestnov said SpaceX had limited the operating speed of Starlink terminals used by the Ukrainian military to 160 km/h, while Elon Musk said the system is not used for offensive military operations.
