Kremlin asks business to propose measures to ease sanctions.

The Kremlin has reached out to companies requesting proposals for lifting sanctions ahead of talks with Washington, two Russian businessmen told Reuters. They also noted that the most painful restrictions are those affecting cross-border payment flows.

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to intensify sanctions against Moscow if it does not agree to negotiations. However, if the Kremlin agrees to a ceasefire, some easing of restrictions may be possible.

Two sources in the Russian industry reported that the Ministry of Industry and Trade has asked companies to inform which sanctions should be lifted immediately.

One of the sources revealed that the Ministry is distributing a form to enterprises to fill out, asking companies to specify which sanctions most affect their business and to identify the most painful restrictions.

Employees of major exporters, consultants, lawyers, economists, and advisors noted that the most difficult issues are payments, as well as energy sanctions, particularly restrictions on the Russian oil tanker fleet, according to three sources.

According to two sources, the most likely outcome is the easing of secondary sanctions aimed at companies in third countries, allowing Russia to circumvent restrictions.