Trump’s Team Explores Sanctions Strategy Ahead of Potential Putin Talks to End Ukraine War

Advisors to US President-elect Donald Trump are developing a comprehensive sanctions strategy aimed at resolving Russia’s war against Ukraine, Bloomberg reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.

According to the publication, Trump's team is considering two main approaches to sanctions against Russia. The discussions involve members of the incoming administration, former officials from Trump's previous administration, and conservative think tanks.

The first approach is based on the assumption that a resolution to the war in Ukraine is close at hand. It includes potential measures to benefit Russian oil producers currently under sanctions, which could facilitate the negotiation of a peace agreement, the report states.

The second option reportedly involves significantly increasing sanctions pressure to strengthen leverage over Moscow.

Sources note that these plans are still in the early stages and will ultimately depend on decisions made by the President-elect himself.

Meanwhile, during confirmation hearings for US Secretary of State, Trump’s nominee Marco Rubio emphasized that sanctions are a critical tool for achieving a peaceful resolution in Ukraine.

On January 10, it was revealed that Trump is considering a meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin to discuss ending the war in Ukraine, though no specific timeline for the talks has been set.