Putin is Testing Trump

Russian President Vladimir Putin is assessing what can be gained regarding the easing of sanctions imposed on Russia in discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump, Bloomberg reported on March 28, citing sources.

According to agency sources, a part of the Kremlin's "thought-out strategy" includes a demand to connect Rosselkhozbank to the SWIFT international banking system, which is controlled by the European Union. Russia has raised this condition within the framework of negotiations over a ceasefire in the Black Sea.

As reported by Bloomberg's sources, Rosselkhozbank has been chosen to test whether Trump can engage Europe on this issue. "Success related to SWIFT may lead to a gradual easing of the entire sanctions regime," the agency notes, citing sources.

Following the second round of negotiations between Russia and the U.S., which took place on March 25 in Riyadh, the Kremlin put forward several conditions for a ceasefire in the Black Sea, proposed by the American delegation. These include the lifting of sanctions against Rosselkhozbank and other financial organizations engaged in international trade of food and fertilizers. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the U.S. intends to discuss this matter with both Russia and the European Union. European officials have refused to soften sanctions against Russia.