US President Donald Trump is considering expanding economic cooperation with Russia once the conflict in Ukraine is resolved, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported, citing sources within the White House.

According to the newspaper, Trump remains open to rebuilding economic ties between Washington and Moscow following a settlement of the Ukrainian conflict.

The US administration is reportedly developing a strategy aimed at reducing tensions over Ukraine before offering Russia additional economic incentives. Washington hopes this approach will help secure a more durable ceasefire agreement.

The first step in implementing the strategy was a diesel deal with Russia. Sources familiar with the arrangement told WSJ that the agreement serves two purposes: lowering fuel prices in the United States and demonstrating to Russian President Vladimir Putin the economic advantages of returning to the negotiating table.

The proposed incentives are part of Washington’s broader effort to encourage Moscow to pursue a negotiated settlement while easing the economic pressure surrounding the conflict.

Trump previously stated that Putin was interested in resolving the Ukrainian conflict. However, the US president identified the mutual hostility between Putin and Vladimir Zelensky as the primary obstacle preventing progress toward peace.