Russia-Ukraine Talks Expand to Include Multibillion-Dollar Oil Deal

Russia's talks with the US on ending the war in Ukraine have taken an unexpected turn with the inclusion of a multibillion-dollar oil deal. According to the New York Times, this deal would benefit Middle Eastern business executives tied to US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

The proposed deal involves a vast network of oil fields, refineries, and gas stations worldwide owned by Russian energy group Lukoil. This agreement is contingent on approval from both the US government and the Kremlin.

Russian President Vladimir Putin brought up the idea during a September 5 meeting with Witkoff and Kushner at the Kremlin. He suggested completing the deal as a way to show Russians that they could do business with the United States, one of the people familiar with the meeting said.