The Donald Trump administration’s talks with Russia over ending the war in Ukraine have expanded to include a multi-billion-dollar oil deal that could deliver significant business benefits to Middle Eastern executives with ties to American negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, according to a report by The New York Times.
No comment from the White House and Treasury Department on the Lukoil deal
The deal, which requires approval from both the U.S. government and the Kremlin, involves a broad portfolio of oil fields, refineries, and fuel stations across multiple countries — all owned by Russian energy giant Lukoil. The White House, the U.S. Treasury Department, and Lukoil did not respond to Reuters’ requests for comment outside of regular business hours.
According to the newspaper, the group behind the deal includes American investor and billionaire Todd Boehly, two Middle Eastern business groups that have previously worked with Kushner or with Witkoff’s family, as well as a U.S. government entity.
The New York Times also reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin raised the issue during a September 5 meeting at the Kremlin with Witkoff and Kushner.
Citing individuals familiar with the contents of the meeting, the newspaper reports that Putin proposed completing the deal as a way to demonstrate to the Russian public that business cooperation with the United States remains possible.
