Lead

American businesses are still waiting for sanctions pressure on Russia to ease, even as US President Donald Trump has expressed a desire to improve relations with Moscow, according to the head of the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia. Robert Agee, president and CEO of AmCham Russia, spoke on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) on June 3, where he also voiced expectations that a second summit between the US and Russian presidents could mark the start of improvements.

Coverage comparison

The comments were covered by TASS, Russia's state news agency, in two separate reports from the forum. In the first, Agee said that US businesses have yet to see a relaxation of sanctions pressure on Russia, despite Trump's desire to improve relations. In the second, he framed the prospect more optimistically, saying American businesses are looking forward to the second summit in hopes of improving relations between the two countries.

Both reports quote Agee directly and appear to be based on his remarks to reporters and to TASS on the sidelines of the forum.

Key claims

  • The majority of US companies have remained in Russia and are operating well and successfully, according to Agee, who noted that this year's AmCham delegation to SPIEF is much larger than before.
  • Sanctions have not changed much despite Trump's stated desire to improve relations with Russia, Agee said, adding that he believes sanctions will continue until the end of the conflict.
  • Agee said he expects improvements to begin after a second summit between the US and Russian presidents takes place.
  • The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum is taking place on June 3-6 under the theme "Pragmatic Dialogue: the Path to a Stable Future."
  • Agee earlier said that while some big US brands have left Russia, most US companies continue to operate in the country.

Perspectives

AmCham Russia (Robert Agee)

Agee, representing American businesses in Russia, expresses a mix of frustration and optimism: frustration that sanctions have not eased despite political signals from Washington, and optimism that a second presidential summit could catalyze change. He underscores that most US companies have stayed and are doing well.