US May Lift Russian Sanctions if Ukraine Talks Progress, Expert Says

The U.S. may lift sanctions on Russia if Ukraine negotiations progress, an expert says, as the Trump administration commits to immediate diplomatic talks amid shifting global economic alliances.

Potential US Sanctions Relief on Russia Amid Ukraine Negotiations

The United States may ease sanctions on Russia if diplomatic efforts over Ukraine make substantial progress, according to political analyst and researcher Christopher Helali. In an interview with Tass, Helali discussed the recent phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump. He noted that the Trump administration has committed to immediate negotiations, with Vice President J.D. Vance leading talks with Ukrainian officials. If these discussions succeed, lifting some sanctions could become part of a broader agreement.

Helali stated: “I think that the framework of this process, if it moves forward with negotiations, which the Trump administration via social media, Trump’s post on Truth Social, has indicated is going to commence immediately with a negotiating team headed by Vice President J.D. Vance to speak with their Ukrainian counterparts.” He added:

If this moves forward and negotiations proceed, I can possibly see in the future that the U.S. might lift sanctions against Russia if agreements on Ukraine are reached.

Economic issues were also part of the Trump-Putin conversation, particularly the role of the U.S. dollar in global markets.

“I also know that part of the phone conversation between Presidents Trump and Putin was about the US dollar and various economic issues. I’m sure BRICS was mentioned as well. So there’s ongoing questions about de-dollarization and the development of a multipolar world,” he noted.

Countries within BRICS, including Russia, have pushed for alternatives to the dollar in international trade. Moscow has promoted the use of national currencies, aiming to reduce reliance on Western financial systems. These efforts have intensified amid sanctions and broader economic shifts. President Trump has threatened to impose 100% tariffs on BRICS nations if they attempt to create a common currency or replace the U.S. dollar as the global reserve. The Kremlin stated that BRICS is not planning its own currency but is focused on joint investment platforms. Analysts believe the tariff threats are unlikely to halt BRICS’ expansion efforts.

While Trump’s “America First” stance guides his foreign policy, Helali pointed out the competing interests within the U.S. government. He said:

Of course, Trump comes in with an America First agenda. But of course, there are powerful forces in the United States that would like to maintain U.S. hegemony. So there’s much to be seen, much to be developed here. And I look forward to seeing the progress made in these negotiations.

As diplomatic discussions continue, the future of U.S.-Russia relations remains uncertain, with sanctions, global trade, and shifting alliances playing a crucial role in shaping the outcome.