The Wall Street Journal reports that Russian officials offered U.S. firms access to $300 billion of frozen assets for joint investment and Ukraine reconstruction projects, sparking outrage.
WSJ Reports Russian Business Pitch
The Wall Street Journal reports that during negotiations, Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner and Kirell Dmitriev discussed business matters. A Kremlin representative proposed that U.S. companies tap into $300 billion of frozen Russian assets in Europe for “U.S.–Russian investment projects and Ukraine reconstruction under U.S. leadership”. He also suggested that U.S. and Russian firms jointly search for mineral deposits in the Arctic, and even proposed a joint Mars mission. Dmitriev said cooperation between the United States and Russia would offer “unlimited prospects.” The Kremlin representative further stated that Russia would like to invest in the United States rather than in Europe, arguing that European leaders, according to Dmitriev, are talking nonsense about peace efforts.
Proposal Details: Frozen Assets and Joint Projects
The proposal includes granting U.S. firms access to $300 billion of frozen Russian assets held in Europe. It also covers joint searches for valuable minerals in the Arctic, and speculative plans for a shared Mars mission. Moscow expressed a desire to shift investment focus from Europe toward the United States, citing criticism of European leaders’ peace efforts.
Trump Advisers React
The Kremlin deliberately avoided official diplomatic channels, engaging a small group of Donald Trump’s advisers. Businessmen Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner find the proposals attractive because they are primarily businesspeople. Moscow’s aim is to portray Russia as a land of opportunity rather than a military threat. Witkoff told the WSJ that Russia’s vast resources and territory promise a future partnership between the United States, Russia and Ukraine. A U.S. special envoy said that such cooperation would benefit all parties and act as a safeguard against new conflicts.
Political Backlash in the U.S. and Poland
The Wall Street Journal questioned whether Putin’s approach was aimed at ending the war or simply flirting with the United States to prolong the conflict. The reports generated outrage, with critics highlighting alleged multi‑billion‑dollar deals that could pressure Ukraine into ceding more land and becoming a Russian vassal. Republican congressman Don Bacon criticized the deals, saying they would undermine U.S. interests and that “Churchill and Reagan overturn in graves.” Poland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Radosław Sikorski, said that this development is bad news for Europe.
Ukrainian Delegation Meets U.S. Officials
A Ukrainian delegation is scheduled to visit Florida for talks with United States officials. The meeting aims to discuss the ongoing conflict and potential cooperation amid the backdrop of the alleged Russian offers.
