This appears to be a major developing story. According to a recent Bloomberg News report (dated February 12, 2026), an internal Kremlin memo suggests that Russia is considering a return to the U.S. dollar settlement system as part of a potential economic reset with the Trump administration.
This would mark a staggering 180-degree turn from Moscow's aggressive "de-dollarization" policy of the last several years.
Key Details from the Bloomberg Report:
* The Proposal: An internal Kremlin document outlines seven specific areas of "economic alignment" between Russia and the U.S. that could be part of a broader deal to end the conflict in Ukraine.
* The Dollar Shift: At the core of the memo is a potential return to using the U.S. dollar for bilateral dealings and international settlements, which would require significant sanctions relief.
* Energy & Resources: The document reportedly proposes joint ventures in natural gas, offshore oil, and critical raw materials, prioritizing fossil fuels over green energy—a move clearly tailored to align with President Trump’s "energy dominance" agenda.
* The Motivations: Russia's economy, while resilient, has faced high inflation and 20% interest rates. A return to the dollar system would ease import costs and potentially unlock billions in frozen assets.
Context: The "Trump-Putin" Economic Reset
President Trump has recently spoken about the "missed opportunities" for trade caused by past investigations and sanctions. During a high-profile summit in late 2025/early 2026, both leaders expressed interest in a transactional partnership. However, any move to bring Russia back into the dollar system would face massive hurdles:
* U.S. Congress: Bipartisan sanctions bills still exist that could block such a move.
* The EU Position: The European Union is currently preparing its 20th sanctions package, indicating a stark divide between D.C. and Brussels.
* Trust Deficit: Many Western corporations remain hesitant to re-enter the Russian market due to "reputational risk" and the lack of legal protections for assets.