U.S.-Russia Ukraine Talks Expand to Multibillion-Dollar Lukoil Deal Tied to Trump Allies
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Oct 3
U.S.-Russia Ukraine Talks Expand to Multibillion-Dollar Lukoil Deal Tied to Trump Allies
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Oct 3
Summary
Monthslong U.S.-Russia talks on ending the Ukraine war have widened to include a multibillion-dollar sale of Lukoil oil fields, refineries and gas stations, according to eight people familiar with the negotiations.
Sept. 5 Kremlin talks put the deal directly on the diplomatic track: Vladimir Putin raised it with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner as a way to show Russians they could do business with the United States.
Todd Boehly — an American investor who has given $2 million to Trump political causes — is part of the lead group, alongside two Middle Eastern firms linked through past business to Kushner or Witkoff's family and a U.S. government arm.
The transaction still needs approval from both Washington and the Kremlin, and there is no indication Kushner or Witkoff would profit personally, but the overlap of peace diplomacy and business ties is intensifying conflict-of-interest scrutiny.