Media: Secret Economic Reconciliation Between the US and Russia

Economic relations between the United States and Russia are one aspect of the ongoing behind-the-scenes diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Moscow, which could mean the rapid end of Western economic sanctions against Russia, thereby eliminating the economic isolation between Russia and the West.

Since the resumption of direct dialogue between the US and Russia, the Kremlin has been committed to achieving this goal: decoupling the Ukraine war from the normalization of Russian-US relations, which is crucial for the Putin administration and covers many aspects.

The Wall Street Journal recently reported that this is one of the most thoroughly discussed issues between the US and Russia. For example, President Putin of Russia hopes to receive answers on strategic dialogue topics, and Moscow often insists on the START II Treaty, which will expire at the end of February, and Moscow hopes to hold face-to-face negotiations with the US on this issue as was done during the Cold War era. However, in fact, the White House is most willing to accept cooperation in the economic field.

The Wall Street Journal disclosed on December 11 that the US is planning to invest in rare metals and Arctic oil in Russia. Subsequently, the Russian newspaper "Kommersant" questioned the Kremlin spokesperson about it. The Kremlin spokesperson officially confirmed that the Russian government is interested in this and stated, "Russia has always been open to foreign investment." The Kremlin spokesperson emphasized, "Russia is a highly attractive and profitable market for foreign investors. We know that some investors have left, but their positions were quickly filled by other investors. This is an economic law. We welcome the inflow of foreign investments."

Analysts point out that as usual, the Russian government is employing a carrot-and-stick strategy. On one hand, it points out that the space vacated by some Western investors has been filled by other participants, and on the other hand, it avoids putting the Russian government in a position of begging, trying to show a certain balance.

Progress in Economic Cooperation Projects

The Wall Street Journal reported that economic cooperation projects between the US and Russia have entered a very advanced stage. The report listed the names of some Russian oligarchs and provided specific details, such as natural gas fields located on Sakhalin Island or the Okhotsk Sea in the Russian Far East. However, the Russian government has remained silent on this matter. The Kremlin spokesperson reiterated on Thursday, "Regarding investments, we will not publicly discuss planned projects."

As early as February 24 this year, high-level messages from the Russian official power structure showed that they wanted to promote US-Russia economic cooperation. For example, on that day, Russian President Putin chaired a meeting specifically discussing rare earth mining. After the meeting, the Russian head of state announced that he was ready to propose cooperation projects in this area to the US. At the same time, Putin mentioned "new regions," which refers to the territories annexed by Russia after September 2022 in Ukraine. Of course, another key area that Russia focuses on is Arctic oil.

The chairman of the Russian-American Chamber of Commerce is a very active figure in Russian media. He once claimed on December 8 in the pro-Russian daily "Izvestia": "Lifting the ban on foreign investment is our absolute priority."

Europe's Concerns

The Wall Street Journal recently revealed that the Trump administration is developing an aggressive plan for Ukraine, advocating for a "business-for-peace" approach and demanding large-scale investment in Russia to manage the frozen $200 billion in assets. This so-called "economic Yalta Conference" shocked European governments, who are determined to use these frozen Russian funds to support Ukraine.

Analysts point out that the Ukraine conflict has evolved from a geopolitical crisis into an economic battle. According to classified documents disclosed by the Trump administration to its European counterparts, Washington is trying to redefine the relationship between the West and Moscow. The new theory is "economic interdependence," whose purpose is not to punish Russia, but to exchange Russia's economic integration into the European economy for a ceasefire. This has triggered opposition from Europe, as the EU believes this would threaten Kyiv's short-term stability. It would give Russia the economic breathing room it needs to revive its economy and strengthen its military, effectively countering Europe's efforts to economically isolate Russia.

The core of this disagreement lies in the approximately $200 billion in frozen Russian central bank assets, most of which are held in European financial institutions.

European countries are trying to use these frozen funds as collateral to obtain large loans, with the aim of providing critical liquidity to Ukraine to purchase weapons and maintain the Ukrainian government's operations.

In short, Europe prioritizes direct military support and security guarantees, while the US focuses more on economic returns and strengthening its influence.

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1851324170427395/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.