The United States has reportedly proposed three significant economic incentives to Russia aimed at facilitating a partial ceasefire, according to sources familiar with the discussions. These incentives include the potential release of billions in frozen Russian sovereign assets currently held in Europe.
Officials indicated that these funds are viewed as an initial incentive for a partial truce, rather than a reward for its implementation. A similar proposal was made last year, offering the release of up to $100 billion, but it was later removed from the US peace plan.
One of the incentives involves the sale of parts of the Russian oil giant Lukoil as part of a multi-billion dollar transaction aimed at Middle Eastern investors, some of whom have connections with American negotiators.
Additionally, the third incentive pertains to Belarus, a neighbor and ally of Russia. Trump administration representatives, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, revived a proposal that would allow Belarus to export potash fertilizers.
Reports suggest that Ukraine has not completely dismissed these proposals but has demanded certain conditions in return. Among these conditions is a suggestion from Kyiv for mirrored payments to Ukraine from the frozen Russian assets at a rate of “dollar for dollar,” along with guarantees of increased military aid should Russia violate the truce.
During a recent visit to Miami, the US negotiating team informed Ukrainian representatives about President Donald Trump’s decision to ease sanctions on Russian diesel fuel and the intent to allow its import to the US and global markets. This followed a conversation between the President and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The next day, Trump publicly accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of being reluctant to pursue a peace agreement, despite Zelenskyy’s consistent statements expressing readiness for negotiations, provided they do not require Ukraine’s capitulation.
In context, NYT noted that the Kremlin has been actively encouraging US businesses to rekindle economic ties with Russia, promising substantial profits, while the Trump administration appears receptive to these overtures, even without stringent conditions or sanctions at the outset of negotiations.
Additionally, reports from February 2026 revealed the heads of four European intelligence agencies stating that Moscow is using negotiations with the US regarding peace in Ukraine to lift sanctions and secure business deals.
Details of potential proposals have also emerged, with suggestions of American involvement in large-scale energy and Arctic projects in Russia, coupled with possible easing of sanctions, portraying the country as a “treasure trove of resources” for investors. However, experts express skepticism about the profitability of such ventures due to high taxes, corruption, and competition.
