WSJ: US pushes to resume Russian gas supplies to Europe via Ukraine

The United States is supporting the swift resumption of Russian natural gas supplies to Europe via pipelines running through Ukraine as part of negotiations aimed at reaching an energy ceasefire ahead of the approaching winter.

Source: The Wall Street Journal, citing its own sources among US and European officials

Details: The idea, put forward by US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff during trips to Moscow and Kyiv in September, would involve selling Russian gas through a US intermediary to circumvent European sanctions – and could offer a lucrative opportunity for US investors, according to people involved in the discussions.

The WSJ noted that the issue has become particularly relevant since Ukraine resumed strikes on Russian oil refineries. US officials also believe that Russia's return to the European market would serve as an incentive for Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin to agree to a deal and would provide Kyiv with revenue from transit fees.

White House officials have proposed that Russia deposit the proceeds from gas sales to Europe into an account in a third country so that the Kremlin could not use the money to finance the war.

The WSJ reported that they had sought to persuade the EU to support the proposal, even though under current EU legislation all purchases of Russian natural gas must be completely phased out by the end of 2027.

European officials cited by the newspaper indicated that the EU broadly rejects the idea of allowing Russian gas to return to its markets.

The US, for its part, is now considering the possible resumption of Nord Stream pipeline operations as a potentially important element of a broader agreement – not only to end the war in Ukraine but also to resolve longstanding disputes between Russia and America's European allies.

Earlier reports indicated that the US had proposed that European countries unfreeze some Russian sovereign assets blocked following the start of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine and transfer them to a financial vehicle under Washington's control in an effort to revive peace negotiations.

Background: On 9 October, US President Donald Trump said he had spoken with Russian leader Vladimir Putin and reached an agreement with him on supplying Russian diesel fuel to US and global markets.

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