Trump on Russian LNG Investment in Alaska: "Will Do Business With Russia Once War Ends"

U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the possibility of Russian investment in Alaska's liquefied natural gas (LNG) project on October 24 (local time), stating in principle that economic cooperation with Russia would resume once the war in Ukraine ends.

According to the White House pool report, President Trump made the remarks while speaking to reporters after casting his early vote at a polling station in Palm Beach County, Florida. In response to a related question, he said, "We want Russia and Ukraine to reach an agreement so that things can return to normal where we can do business with both sides."

He added, "Once the war is over, we will certainly do business with both Ukraine and Russia."

This is interpreted as leaving open the possibility of economic cooperation with Russia following the end of the war in Ukraine.

However, he did not state a specific position on Russia's actual investment in the Alaska LNG project.

The New York Times (NYT) reported the previous day that the United States and Russia had reportedly discussed cooperation plans regarding the Alaska LNG development project during recent negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.

According to the NYT, there are also observations that a Russian energy company subject to U.S. sanctions is secretly funding the Alaska LNG development project, and that Russia is seeking sanctions relief in exchange for providing technology and capital.

Regarding the agreement between Russia and Ukraine to halt combat operations in the southern Ukrainian city of Oleshky, President Trump highlighted the mediating role of First Lady Melania Trump, stating that she had spoken by phone with the leaders of both countries.

He praised her by saying she is "better at it than our experts," and also left open the possibility of First Lady Melania visiting Ukraine in the future.

Meanwhile, regarding the possibility of preemptive pardons for his aides, President Trump said, "I haven't thought about it yet," while noting precedents of former President Joe Biden pardoning congressional figures and adding, "Obviously, I would have that power too."

Pointing to White House aide Margo Martin standing nearby, he mentioned the possibility of her becoming the target of future investigations and told her, "You don't need to worry."

(Photo: Getty Images)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.