Discussions between the Trump administration and Russia regarding an end to the war in Ukraine have expanded to encompass a multibillion-dollar energy agreement involving prominent Middle Eastern business executives and associates of U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The transaction centers on the acquisition of a vast network of global oil fields, refineries, and service stations owned by Lukoil, Russia’s largest private energy company. This potential deal requires formal approval from both the Kremlin and the United States government. The primary consortium pursuing the purchase includes American investor Todd Boehly, who has contributed $2 million to political causes supporting President Trump, two Middle Eastern groups with existing business ties to the families of Mr. Kushner or Mr. Witkoff, and an agency of the U.S. government. These monthslong negotiations illustrate how personal financial networks intersect with sensitive foreign policy initiatives to resolve the four-year conflict that has resulted in hundreds of thousands of casualties. While sources familiar with the matter indicate there is no evidence that Mr. Kushner or Mr. Witkoff personally profit from the arrangement, the inclusion of the Lukoil proposal highlights ongoing questions regarding conflicts of interest within the administration. Russian President Vladimir Putin personally raised the energy asset sale during a meeting with Mr. Witkoff and Mr. Kushner at the Kremlin on September 5. According to individuals briefed on the discussions, President Putin suggested that finalizing the agreement could serve as a demonstration to the Russian public that productive business relationships with the United States remain possible.
Source: nytimes.com
