US backs proposal to restore Russian gas sales to Europe via Ukraine
The US is backing a proposal to restart Russian gas sales to Europe through pipelines crossing Ukraine, as part of efforts to secure an energy truce before winter, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing US, European and Ukrainian officials. Envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff raised the idea in visits to Moscow and Kyiv in September; a US intermediary could handle sales, with proceeds held in escrow and Ukraine earning transit fees.
Bottom line — The proposal runs against the EU’s requirement to phase out Russian gas imports by the end of 2027.
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The Wall Street Journal reports that Washington sees access to Europe’s gas market as an incentive for Vladimir Putin to agree to an energy truce.
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A senior US official told the Wall Street Journal that gas-sale proceeds could be held in an escrow account in a third-party jurisdiction.
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The route uses a Soviet-era pipeline network linking Siberian gas fields to Europe through Ukraine, Slovakia and onward connections to Austria and Germany, News18 reports.
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The Wall Street Journal says the Ukrainian route could restart faster than Nord Stream, whose pipelines were badly damaged in 2022 explosions.
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The Times of India reports that the EU’s stated position is not to resume Russian gas purchases even after a comprehensive peace agreement.
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The Wall Street Journal reports that Moscow has so far resisted US efforts to secure an energy arrangement.