Trump on Russian Investment in Alaska LNG: 'We Will Do Business with Russia Too Once War Ends'

U.S. President Donald Trump stated in principle that economic cooperation with Russia will take place once the war in Ukraine ends, regarding the possibility of Russian investment in a U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Alaska local time yesterday (the 24th).

According to the White House pool report, President Trump made the remarks while meeting with reporters after casting his early vote at a polling place in Palm Beach County, Florida, yesterday, when asked about the matter. He said, "We want Russia and Ukraine to reach an agreement and get back to a normal life where we can do business with both sides."

He went on to emphasize, "Once the war is over, we will definitely do business with both Ukraine and Russia," which 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 local time the day before yesterday (the 23rd) that the United States and Russia have reportedly discussed ways to cooperate on 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 relief from sanctions 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 "does a better job than our experts," and 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," but mentioned the precedent of former President Joe Biden pardoning members of Congress, adding, "I certainly would have that authority as well."

He then pointed to White House aide Margo Martin, who was standing nearby, mentioned the possibility of her becoming the target of future investigations, and said, "There's nothing to worry about."

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