Slow reset of US-Russian relations
Trump and Tillerson should help improve US-Russia relations. But an end to sanctions doesn't look imminent
Western media may be agog at Donald Trump's apparent fondness for Vladimir Putin, but Russia's battle-scarred energy sector is watching the romance with a sceptical eye. Even the appointment to Secretary of State of Rex Tillerson, the former ExxonMobil chief with long experience of dealing with Putin, is being treated cautiously. Although the Trump White House is expected to adopt a more pragmatic and open policy towards Russia, it would be naive to assume any major or early improvements. Less confrontational rhetoric is likely. A genuine thaw that boosts the oil and gas sector—not so much. Trump has promised to take a softer approach to Russian relations than his predecessor but already the
Also in this section
1 April 2026
Golden Pass’s startup offers QatarEnergy a timely boost but may also force a difficult choice between honouring disrupted contracts and capitalising on soaring spot LNG prices
1 April 2026
It is not a case of if or when, but the length and magnitude of economic damage from elevated oil prices
1 April 2026
The US-Iran conflict demonstrates the need for diversification in several senses of the word. It also exposes the limits of Washington applying pressure on major oil and gas producers it considers geopolitical adversaries
31 March 2026
Disappointing results in its bidding round are a reality check for Libya, and global exploration generally
