US Treasury temporarily lifts narrow Russia sanctions for Putin-Trump Alaska summit

The US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on August 13, 2025, issued Russia-related General License No. 125 (GL 125), authorizing a narrow range of transactions to facilitate official US-Russia government meetings in Alaska.

The license, signed by OFAC Director Bradley T. Smith, is effective immediately and expires at 12:01 a.m. EDT on Aug. 20, 2025. It applies to transactions “ordinarily incident and necessary” to attend or support the summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Also read: Trump’s friendly-to-frustrated relationship with Putin takes spotlight at the Alaska summit

Scope of the temporary authorization

GL 125 allows payments and other transactions required for meeting support, including venue, transportation, and logistical costs. The measure is issued under the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations (31 CFR Part 587) and Ukraine-/Russia-Related Sanctions Regulations (31 CFR Part 589).

The license applies to US persons and entities, as well as individuals operating within US jurisdiction, who may process payments otherwise prohibited, provided they directly relate to the summit’s operation.

European concerns over Ukraine sovereignty

In the days before the Alaska summit, European leaders held a hastily arranged one-hour meeting with President Trump and Vice President JD Vance to discuss the US negotiation approach. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European counterparts, excluded from the Alaska meeting, have expressed concern that Trump’s drive to end the war quickly could lead to concessions affecting Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Trump stated the summit was a “feel-out” session to test Putin’s criteria for a temporary ceasefire, not a formal negotiation. He called the decision “excellent” and gave it “a perfect score.”German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in Berlin that while Europe wanted Trump to succeed in Alaska, leaders stressed that Ukrainian and European interests must be protected. Speaking alongside Zelenskyy, Merz proposed a 30-day truce followed by substantive negotiations. Putin has so far opposed such a ceasefire.

Limitations and prohibitions remain in place

OFAC clarified that GL 125 does not unblock or release any property frozen under US sanctions. It does not authorize any transactions unrelated to summit support or otherwise prohibited under US law. All other restrictions under Russia and Ukraine sanctions programs remain in effect.

Also read: Breaking News highlights: Trump says wants three-way meeting with Putin, Zelensky

Transactions beyond what is necessary for “attendance at or support of meetings” remain prohibited. Entities using the license must ensure compliance and document the purpose of each transaction.