The Wall Street Journal reports that Kremlin advisers offered U.S. firms access to $300 billion of frozen Russian assets, Arctic mining rights, and even a joint Mars mission, sparking diplomatic backlash.
Russian Proposals for U.S. Firms
According to the Wall Street Journal, Soviet advisers proposed that American companies use $300 billion of frozen Russian assets in Europe for joint “U.S.–Russian investment projects and the reconstruction of Ukraine under U.S. leadership.” They also suggested partnership on Arctic mineral exploration and even a joint mission to Mars. The Kremlin representative claimed such cooperation would give the United States and Russia “unlimited prospects.”
Moscow’s Strategy to Influence Trump
The Kremlin is said to have bypassed official diplomatic channels to discuss these deals with a close circle of Donald Trump’s advisers, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. By framing Russia as a land of opportunity rather than an enemy, Moscow hopes to reshape Trump’s perception. Witkoff told the WSJ that “Russia has vast resources and vast territories” and expressed optimism about a future partnership between the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine.
International Outcry and Detractors
The revelations have provoked outrage among U.S. officials and European leaders. Republican congressman Don Bacon condemned Russia’s multi‑billion‑dollar deals that “force Ukraine to hand over more land to Russia, making it a Russian vassal,” and called it an act of greed above Ukrainian sovereignty. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski warned that such developments are “not good news for Europe.”
Ukrainian Delegation to Florida Gears Up for Talks
The Ukrainian government announced that a delegation will travel to Florida to engage in discussions with the United States, aiming to clarify Ukraine’s position amid the backdrop of these contested proposals.
