Putin splits war and business in Trump's eyes, NYT reports

The New York Times reports that Russia has succeeded in separating its war against Ukraine from potential business deals and diplomatic relations with the United States, bringing Vladimir Putin closer to his goal of normalizing ties with Washington without compromising on Ukraine. The article notes a sharp shift in US foreign policy over the past week and a half, with President Trump supporting Putin, easing economic pressure on Russia, and criticizing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Potential deals include diesel sales, discussions about selling Lukoil's international assets to investors including the US government, and proposals for Europe to resume purchasing Russian gas. Experts cited in the article suggest Putin aims to establish Russia as a global power equal to the US and China, while promoting the idea that relations with America can be separated from the ongoing war. Analysts believe Trump's approach of offering incentives to end the conflict may fail, and the Kremlin views Trump as inconsistent.