Unpacking Donald Trump's Diplomatic Outreach to Moscow Amid the Ongoing War in Ukraine

The administration of United States President Donald Trump appears to be taking steps to increase contact with key figures in Moscow, even as Russia’s war in Ukraine continues and US-backed peace efforts remain stalled. The latest signs that the US wants to step up relations include a rare visit to Moscow by CIA Director John Ratcliffe and the surprise appearance of Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov at a Group of 20 meeting hosted by the US on Monday.

However, this contact does not necessarily amount to a restoration of US-Russian relations, analysts said. Washington continues to back sanctions against Moscow while it wages war on Ukraine and major differences over territory remain unresolved.

The most significant meeting recently was Ratcliffe’s visit last week to Moscow, where he held talks with Russian intelligence officials. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said President Vladimir Putin was informed about the discussions but did not personally meet Ratcliffe. Trump described the visit as “semiroutine” and said it was connected to efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

US media reported that Ratcliffe also raised concerns about a possible Russian attack on NATO members and Russia’s relationship with Iran. Trump, who claimed he would end the Ukraine war within “24 hours” of starting his second presidential term in January 2025 but has since failed to broker an agreement, has generally sought to play down tensions between Washington and Moscow.

Separately, Siluanov made a surprise appearance at a G20 finance ministers meeting in the US state of North Carolina for the first time since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent met Siluanov on the sidelines of the G20 meeting, making clear there would be no financial agreements or economic relief for Russia until the war ends.

Hopes of a diplomatic breakthrough remain bleak as neither side is willing to concede territory to the other. US-mediated Russia-Ukraine talks this year broke down chiefly over Moscow’s territorial demands, while Kyiv has refused to surrender any land it still controls. Meanwhile, regional reactions have varied, with European officials expressing caution and concern over any moves to normalise relations with Moscow while the conflict persists.