A day after reports emerged suggesting the United States is considering lifting sanctions on Russia, the Kremlin responded by stating that removing these restrictions is a necessary step for normalising bilateral relations.

On Tuesday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov addressed reports indicating that the US is drafting a plan to ease sanctions as part of President Donald Trump’s efforts to restore ties with Moscow and bring an end to the war in Ukraine.

“It is probably too early to say anything. We have not heard any official statements, but in any case, our attitude towards sanctions is well known: we consider them illegal,” Peskov stated.

He further emphasised, “And, of course, if we talk about normalising bilateral relations, they need to be freed from this negative burden of so-called sanctions.”

Since the onset of the war in Ukraine, the US and its Western allies have imposed multiple rounds of sanctions on Russia, targeting its economy, key industries and political figures. These sanctions have significantly impacted Moscow’s global trade and financial operations.

According to a Reuters report citing a US official and another source, the White House has instructed the State and Treasury departments to draft a list of sanctions that could be lifted. The report suggests that US officials may soon engage in discussions with Russian representatives regarding possible sanction relief.

The possibility of lifting sanctions marks a significant shift in US policy, as previous administrations had maintained a firm stance on penalising Russia over its actions in Ukraine. If the reports are accurate, this move could signal a broader strategy by President Trump to recalibrate relations with Moscow, potentially at the expense of transatlantic security agreements and NATO's stance on Russia.

With no official confirmation from Washington yet, Moscow remains cautious but firm on its position that any meaningful restoration of the US-Russia ties must include removing sanctions. As discussions unfold, the global political landscape could witness a major shift in diplomatic relations between the two nations.