The Russian government’s top investment manager, Kirill Dmitriev, brought a printout to the Trump administration in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the financial losses American companies faced by pulling out of Russia during the Ukraine invasion. The document showed $324 billion in total losses. The Kremlin is appealing to President Trump’s desire to make a profit, with talks focusing on energy and economic cooperation. There is a suggestion that sanctions on Russia could be lifted if the war in Ukraine ends, seen as a key to potentially historical economic partnerships.
The Trump administration seems open to engaging with Russia’s message without requiring upfront payment. The possibility of business deals and being portrayed as a peacemaker by ending the war in Ukraine are key aspects of Russia’s negotiations with the U.S. Mr. Dmitriev has been instrumental in promoting business opportunities in Russia’s oil sector and Arctic region. While Western companies have declared $100 billion in losses from leaving Russia, Mr. Dmitriev believes they will eventually return.
In contrast to Ukraine and Europe’s attempts to influence Mr. Trump’s view, Russia has managed to catch his attention by appealing to his interest in quick material gains. The focus on business opportunities and potential peace agreements seems to align with Mr. Trump’s transactional approach to foreign policy. Russia’s success in engaging with the Trump administration over economic and peace negotiations is gaining traction, with implications for future relations between the two countries.
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