Vladimir Putin didn’t meet Donald Trump directly this week, but he did sit down with members of Trump’s transition circle — a move that instantly sparked speculation about a potential thaw in U.S.–Russia relations.
The talks were described as “introductory,” but the timing matters. With global energy markets still sensitive and geopolitical tensions at their peak, even a hint of dialogue sent analysts buzzing. Oil prices briefly cooled, and traders began gaming out what a Trump administration could mean for sanctions, NATO strategy, and future Russia–U.S. cooperation.
No policy shifts yet — but the world is watching the next moves closely.