Putin Nears Goal of Restoring US Ties Without Ukraine Concessions, NYT Reports

Russian President Vladimir Putin has moved closer to his goal of restoring relations with the United States without making concessions on the war in Ukraine, according to The New York Times. Over the past week and a half, President Donald Trump has shifted from Washington's long-standing foreign policy, openly supporting Putin and easing economic pressure on the Kremlin. Trump has sharply criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky while pursuing closer ties with Moscow. A diesel fuel supply deal, partly aimed at lowering fuel prices before US midterm elections, signals Trump's sympathy toward the Russian leader. Moscow is seeking to separate the war from economic cooperation and diplomatic rapprochement with Washington. Russia is pushing for a trilateral summit with the US and China in November and discussing broader agreements, including potential sales of Russian oil assets and resuming European purchases of Russian gas. Analysts suggest economic incentives offered by Trump are unlikely to end the war, as Russia continues its military campaign in Ukraine.