As Moscow gears up for potential negotiations with Washington to bring an end to its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin has its sights set on far more than a basic ceasefire. Instead, it is pursuing a sweeping redefinition of global power dynamics — one that would cement Russia’s dominance over the post-Soviet region and secure broader recognition of its influence, even within Europe.
From the Kremlin’s perspective, any meaningful deal would involve the United States acknowledging Russia’s supremacy in its traditional sphere of influence, particularly in Ukraine, and accepting a diminished role in shaping the political trajectory of countries in the region.
To appeal to President Donald Trump, Moscow is preparing a list of strategic incentives designed to capture his attention. These range from access to rare earth minerals, to leveraging Russia’s geopolitical clout in Iran and North Korea, and even reviving the idea of a Trump Tower in Moscow — a project that has long fascinated Trump and symbolized deeper diplomatic rapport.
According to five current Russian officials, including two diplomats, and several insiders from major state-owned enterprises, the Kremlin has quietly begun laying the groundwork for such negotiations.
“Our main demand is simple,” said one high-ranking Russian official. “The Americans must stay out of our internal affairs and stop interfering in how we govern ourselves. Let us do what we need to do.”
Among the symbolic gestures Moscow might pursue is a high-profile visit by President Vladimir Putin to Washington, where he could hold a summit with Trump at the White House — a move that would serve as both a diplomatic win and a powerful display of legitimacy.
“If our boss [Putin] were to visit Washington to meet with Trump now and then — that would be very welcome,” another senior official noted.
However, there is a recognition within the Kremlin that the grand summits of the Cold War or early post-Soviet years are likely a thing of the past.
“It’s unrealistic to expect that kind of pageantry today,” the official admitted.
Seeking leverage, not illusions
Understanding the limitations of its current geopolitical and economic leverage, the Kremlin has ordered a comprehensive review of potential bargaining chips — anything that might broaden the negotiation agenda and avoid narrowing talks to a ceasefire alone.
Russian officials believe that by tailoring their approach to Trump’s personal and political interests, they might achieve not just peace talks, but a strategic realignment more favorable to Moscow’s long-term goals.
