Kyiv under fire, Putin set for a payday? Trump weighs RDIF waiver as Arctic energy deals take shape

A potential shift in US sanctions policy is raising questions about the future of Washington’s economic relationship with Moscow. The Trump administration is reportedly considering a waiver involving Russia’s Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), while discussions around Arctic energy projects and possible cooperation on liquefied natural gas technology add another layer to US-Russia ties. Could Russia benefit economically if restrictions are eased, even as Ukraine continues to face Russian attacks? The prospect of Russian technology being linked to Alaska’s gas ambitions has also drawn attention to the strategic implications of energy cooperation. What could these developments mean for Ukraine, sanctions policy and the wider geopolitical balance?