A Russian fund tied to Putin could regain financial access as Trump turns sanctions into bargaining chips.

The Story

Washington has waived some Russia sanctions, but VTB’s status and any RDIF relief remain separate questions.

Washington’s record shows a negotiated, selective sanctions policy rather than a blanket release. The administration reviewed the RDIF’s application through established procedures, while later executive action waived several Russia sanctions and triggered bipartisan criticism. Treasury’s designation of VTB shows that at least one major Russian bank remained heavily targeted, so the final scope depends on the specific entity and legal authority involved.

• ScopeSanctions relief appears entity-specific and tied to negotiations, licenses, or presidential waivers rather than one universal rollback.
• VerificationThe strongest evidence comes from official Treasury action and reporting on executive orders, not the originating headline alone.

• The administration was reviewing RDIF’s request under established procedures, with relief linked to improving relations and ending the war.breakingthenews +2
• Trump’s October 2026 order waived several Russia sanctions and tariffs, prompting criticism from lawmakers and Ukraine.pbs +2
• Treasury’s September 2026 action designated VTB for sanctions evasion, indicating that VTB was not simply removed from the sanctions system.content