Trump administration considers lifting sanctions on Russian investment fund: NYT

The Trump administration is considering lifting sanctions on the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), which is controlled by the Kremlin and headed by Kirill Dmitriev, a close ally of Vladimir Putin, The New York Times reports. 

US President Donald Trump

EPA/LAURA BRETT

White House officials reportedly say the move is intended to improve relations with Russia in order to end the war in Ukraine. 

Russia is seeking sanctions relief alongside talks about supplying Russian diesel to the United States. The fund has offered to act as an intermediary for fuel payments. 

Dmitriev is currently Russia's main interlocutor with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. 

Great to see the warmongering media (particularly British) in a meltdown over US-Russia economic cooperation. We will continue to exasperate warmongers through dialogue, economic cooperation, realistic peace initiatives, prosperity and global security. 🕊️

— Kirill Dmitriev (@kadmitriev) October 27, 2026

The fund was established in 2011 under Dmitry Medvedev and Vladimir Putin, according to the report. The Biden administration sanctioned it four days after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. 

Trump has recently decided to buy Russian diesel and suspended new sanctions adopted by Congress. 

(sp) 

Source: IAR