**US Envoy Pushes to Lift Energy Sanctions on Russia, Despite Ongoing Ukraine Conflict**
In a move that has sparked debate within the Trump administration, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is reportedly pushing to lift energy sanctions on Russia. This development comes amidst ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to intensify attacks against Ukrainian cities.
According to Politico, which first reported the news, Witkoff’s proposal is part of a broader debate within the Trump administration over how to engage with Moscow. While some officials favor reducing US reliance on Russian imports, others, like Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, disagree and instead advocate for further trade restrictions.
Despite campaign promises to end the war in Ukraine “in 24 hours,” President Trump has made little progress in securing a ceasefire. In fact, Russia launched one of its largest aerial attacks on Ukraine just hours after Putin’s phone conversation with Trump on July 4. When asked about the call, Trump responded that he had not made any progress with Putin.
**Energy Sector at Center of Debate**
The proposal to lift energy sanctions is particularly concerning for European officials, who worry that it could lead to a division in the European energy market and create separate spheres of influence. Moscow is reportedly engaged in talks with Washington about potentially restarting the Nord Stream pipeline project, which has sparked concern in Brussels.
Witkoff’s handling of high-level talks with Russia has raised eyebrows in Washington and abroad. As reported by NBC News in May, he has relied on Kremlin-provided translators during multiple meetings with Putin, including a visit to Moscow just days after a Russian missile attack killed 12 people in Kyiv.
**Sanctions Remain Unchanged**
Despite ongoing conflict and criticism of Witkoff’s handling of talks with Russia, the Trump administration has so far refrained from imposing new sanctions on Russia. This move has sparked concerns that the US is not doing enough to pressure Moscow to cease its aggression against Ukraine.
As tensions continue to escalate between Russia and Ukraine, it remains to be seen whether the proposal to lift energy sanctions will come to fruition. One thing is clear, however: the debate over how to engage with Moscow is likely to continue, with implications for both European and global security.
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