World · Europe · 2 hrs ago
Trump administration weighs lifting sanctions on Russian investment fund
The Trump administration is considering lifting sanctions on Russia’s Direct Investment Fund, known as RDIF.
Russia wants the fund involved in supplying Russian diesel fuel to the United States.
The U.S. Treasury Department is reviewing RDIF’s application through its standard process, and the fund must show that the reasons for its sanctions no longer apply.
The United States sanctioned RDIF in 2022, four days after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
At the time, the Treasury Department called it a fund widely considered to serve as a “slush fund” for President Vladimir Putin.
RDIF head Kirill Dmitriev is taking part in Russia-U.S.
talks, including efforts to explore joint business ventures.
Any sanctions relief would be a possible U.S. concession to Moscow, as President Donald Trump pursues economic incentives he hopes could help end the war in Ukraine; no decision has been announced.
The Trump administration is considering lifting sanctions on the Russian Direct Investment Fund, according to sources cited by The New York Times.
Russia is seeking sanctions relief so the fund can take part in supplying Russian diesel fuel to the United States.
The U.S. Treasury Department is reviewing the fund’s application under standard procedures, and the fund must show that the reasons for its sanctions no longer apply.
The fund is headed by Kirill Dmitriev, who is involved in talks between Russia and the United States.
The Biden administration imposed sanctions on the fund on February 28, 2022, four days after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
- Who
- The Trump administration is considering lifting sanctions on the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF).
- What
- The U.S. is reviewing RDIF’s application for sanctions relief. Russia wants the fund to participate in supplying Russian diesel fuel to the United States.
- When
- The reports were published on October 27, 2026. The date of any decision is not stated.
- Where
- The United States and Russia.
- Why
- Russia is seeking relief so RDIF can take part in diesel fuel supply to the United States. The Trump administration is pursuing economic incentives it hopes will help secure an end to the war in Ukraine.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Biden administration imposed sanctions on RDIF, four days after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The New York Times reported that the Trump administration was considering lifting sanctions on RDIF.
- Fund
- Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF)
- Fund head
- Kirill Dmitriev
- Sanctions imposed
- February 28, 2022
- Sanctions review
- U.S. Treasury Department
- Reported purpose of relief
- Participation in supplying Russian diesel fuel to the United States
3 sources
What people are saying
While officially a sovereign wealth fund, RDIF is widely considered a slush fund for President Vladimir Putin and is emblematic of Russia’s broader kleptocracy