Reposted by Eric Lipton NYT
The Trump administration’s talks with Russia about ending the war in Ukraine have expanded to include a multibillion-dollar oil deal that would benefit Middle Eastern business executives with ties to the two main U.S. negotiators, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
trib.al
U.S.-Russia Talks on Ukraine Now Involve an Oil Deal Tied to Trump Allies
President Vladimir V. Putin brought up a sale of Russian energy assets with President Trump’s envoys, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, pushing a deal that raises new questions about conflicts of interest.
![Two Republican senators, neither of whom are up for re-election, have also publicly committed to voting against the bill, citing concerns about deposit flight from community banks. Josh Hawley (R-MO) pledged to side with the “agriculture folks, local community people” who are “blowing [him] up over” the bill. “Farmers and ranchers, in particular, are very, very concerned that deposit flight in small towns could absolutely kill their ability to get ag loans,” he said.10 Jerry Moran (R-KS) also committed to vote no.11 Other Republicans have expressed reservations but stopped short of pledging to vote against the bill [I107].](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:exrxvyu6bpoym6mbnctke5tn/bafkreiajxqnxxfkcnhie3z5egeacefutlcsasph53krdoaxmechz2tofcu)
