Behind the curtain of public sanctions and tough rhetoric, a secret and significant track of diplomacy is underway between the United States and Russia, focused on energy cooperation. This quiet dialogue stands in sharp contrast to the very public trade dispute with India.
These private discussions, involving high-level envoys, have explored a range of potential deals. The most significant is a pathway for Exxon Mobil to re-enter Russia’s energy market, a move that would represent a major reversal of post-2022 policy.
The purpose of this secret diplomacy is to create off-ramps and incentives for Russia to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine. It is a pragmatic attempt to find a diplomatic solution through economic means.
While these talks proceed in private, the US is publicly finalizing 50% tariffs on India for its own Russian energy trade. This public-private split in policy highlights the complex and often hidden layers of international relations, where stated positions and actual negotiations can diverge significantly.