US, Russia talks on Ukraine involve oil deal tied to Kushner, Witkoff: Report

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law, have been conducting monthslong efforts to negotiate an end to the four-year conflict in Ukraine. According to reporting by The New York Times, those talks have expanded to include a multibillion-dollar energy transaction proposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin during a Sept. 5 meeting with the U.S. delegation. The deal reportedly envisions one of Russia’s largest energy companies, Lukoil, acquiring oil fields, refineries and retail fuel outlets internationally. The consortium linked to the transaction includes two Middle Eastern firms that have previously done business with Witkoff and Kushner, and also involves American investor and Trump donor Todd Boehly. It is not clear from the reporting whether Witkoff or Kushner stand to gain financially from the arrangement, but their business ties to parties in the proposed deal have prompted questions about potential conflicts of interest as they lead U.S. negotiations. A senior administration official told The New York Times that Kushner and Witkoff are assisting in negotiating financial terms of the arrangement — including assets in New Jersey — with the stated aim of securing a large upfront payment and profits for the United States. The matter arises against the backdrop of an intensified Ukraine war that has lasted four years, with recent Russian air strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure and Ukrainian long-range missile strikes on Russian oil storage and refining facilities. President Trump has publicly said he hopes trade relations between the U.S. and Russia could resume if a peace settlement is reached.