US-Russia-Ukraine talks include multibillion-dollar oil deal tied to Kushner, Witkoff: report

WASHINGTON, Oct 3 : Negotiations between the United States and Russia over a possible end to the war in Ukraine have expanded to include discussions over a multibillion-dollar oil transaction that could benefit business executives with ties to two of President Donald Trump's senior negotiators, according to a US report.

The proposed transaction, which involves Russian energy company Lukoil, was presented during a Sept. 5 meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, people familiar with the discussions told The New York Times.

The deal would potentially allow Lukoil, one of Russia's largest oil companies, to acquire a range of energy assets outside Russia, including oil fields, refineries and gas stations, according to the report. The assets would include gas stations in New Jersey, the Times reported.

The negotiations add an economic dimension to the broader US diplomatic effort to end Russia's war in Ukraine, which has entered its fifth year and continued to cause extensive damage to Ukrainian infrastructure while disrupting global energy markets.

Witkoff, who serves as a US special envoy, and Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and a former senior White House adviser, have played a prominent role in the administration's efforts to revive negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv. The two have held discussions with Russian and Ukrainian officials as Washington seeks a framework for ending the conflict.

In September, Witkoff and Kushner traveled to both Ukraine and Russia as part of renewed diplomatic efforts.

According to people familiar with the negotiations cited by the Times, the group involved in the proposed Lukoil transaction includes two Middle Eastern business groups that have previously conducted business with Witkoff and Kushner. US investor and Trump donor Todd Boehly is also involved in the group.

The report did not establish that Witkoff or Kushner would personally profit from the proposed transaction. Their connections to parties involved in the deal have, however, raised questions about potential conflicts of interest given their roles in negotiating with Russia over the Ukraine war.

The talks are intended to secure what was described as "a substantial upfront payment and profits for the United States."

The proposed deal comes as the Trump administration has repeatedly indicated that an end to the war could eventually pave the way for the restoration of economic and commercial relations between Washington and Moscow.

Trump has said on several occasions that a peace agreement could create opportunities for the United States and Russia to resume trade and other forms of economic cooperation. Any such arrangement would represent a significant shift after years of Western sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.

The war itself has shown little sign of easing. Russian forces have continued to launch missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure, while Ukraine has increasingly relied on long-range strikes against Russian military and energy targets.

Ukrainian forces have targeted Russian oil storage facilities and refineries in an effort to disrupt Moscow's ability to supply its military and generate revenue from energy exports. Russia, meanwhile, has continued attacks on Ukraine's power and energy infrastructure.

The inclusion of a major energy transaction in the diplomatic discussions illustrates the potentially broad economic consequences of any future agreement between Washington and Moscow. (UNI)