Aug. 27
By Julia O`Malley
The restoration of relations between the United States and Russia is one of the most significant geopolitical shifts of 2025. The Trump team has now moved away from the harsh confrontational rhetoric against Russia, characteristic of the previous administration.
This reflects the general trend of US reorientation away from global ideological leadership towards more narrowly defined national interests, including reducing the cost of international conflict and strengthening its economic position. From Washington’s perspective, this process combines pragmatic interests with strategic calculations and domestic political challenges.
Despite the ongoing sanctions, trade between the United States and Russia has shown growth in 2025. For example, imports of Russian fertilizers, uranium, and palladium have increased, demonstrating the interest of American businesses in resuming cooperation. The US views Russia as a market for and source of critical resources, such as nuclear materials and rare metals, which is especially important in light of growing competition from China and the need to diversify logistics chains.
The United States is interested in cooperating with Russia in the Arctic, where Russian technology and expertise are among the most advanced in the world. This area could become a growth point for bilateral relations. Also, the resumption of dialogue between NASA and Roscomos after a seven-year hiatus indicates the possibility of cooperation in space exploration.
The largely expected change in rhetoric by both countries occurred as a result of the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump at the Anchorage summit.
It should be noted that Alaska has deep historical ties with the Russian Far East. Previously, these regions were connected by direct flights, educational exchanges, scientific cooperation and cultural projects. The joint struggle against Nazi Germany and the operation of the AlSib air corridor, which transported American equipment to the Soviet Union, is particularly notable. Economic and humanitarian cooperation between the United States and Russia remains strategically important for global stability.
In early September 2025, the international economic forum will start in Vladivostok, Russia. It will traditionally be attended by participants from all over the world, including interested parties from various regions.
Taking into account the emerging positive trends, the Eastern Economic Forum 2025 is considered a significant event on the international economic agenda. This platform has strategic interest for the United States, in terms of establishing dialogue on economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region and overcoming barriers. The participation of US representatives in the forum aligns with long-term goals for developing international trade relations.
In addition, the proximity of our countries across the Bering Strait creates natural prerequisites for joint work in the fields of navigation, ecology, and scientific research. The experience gained through cooperation in Alaska can be applied to develop models for cooperation in other areas.
International economic forums of this level serve as a tool for building trust between countries. The development of trade and economic ties can become an additional basis for gradual normalization of relations between Russia and the United States.