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
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