Trump Explores Plan to Resume Russian Gas Supplies to Europe Through Ukraine With US Investors
The United States is reportedly exploring a proposal to restore Russian natural gas supplies to Europe through pipelines crossing Ukraine. The plan is being considered as part of broader diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions between Moscow and Kyiv and secure an energy ceasefire ahead of the winter season.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff discussed the proposal during visits to Moscow and Kyiv in September. The reported arrangement could involve an American intermediary handling Russian gas sales to European buyers, potentially creating business opportunities for US investors.
However, the proposal has not been finalised, and it faces significant political, legal and diplomatic challenges, particularly from European governments that have worked to reduce their dependence on Russian energy.
1. US Considers a New Route for Russian Gas Supplies
The proposal centres on restarting Russian natural gas exports to Europe through the pipeline network that crosses Ukraine. This route was an important channel for Russian gas deliveries to several European countries before the transit agreement between Moscow and Kyiv expired.
Under the reported plan, Russian gas could be sold to European buyers through a US intermediary. Such an arrangement is intended to provide a commercial framework for restarting supplies while addressing some of the political concerns surrounding direct purchases from Russia.
The proposal is being discussed as part of a broader effort to establish an energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. An agreement to reduce attacks on energy infrastructure could help protect electricity and gas supplies during the winter months.
2. Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff Reportedly Discussed the Proposal
US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are reported to have raised the idea during their diplomatic visits to Moscow and Kyiv in September.
The discussions reportedly involved officials from the United States, Russia and Ukraine. The proposal is linked to Washington's wider efforts to encourage negotiations between the two countries.
American negotiators reportedly believe that restoring Russian gas sales to Europe could provide Moscow with an economic incentive to agree to an energy-related arrangement. It could also offer Ukraine an opportunity to earn revenue through pipeline transit fees.
The reported discussions do not mean that Russia, Ukraine or European governments have accepted the proposal. Further negotiations would be necessary before any agreement could be implemented.
3. US Investors Could Gain Business Opportunities
One of the important commercial aspects of the proposal is the possible involvement of American companies in the sale and transportation of Russian natural gas.
A US intermediary could play a role in managing transactions between Russian suppliers and European buyers. This arrangement could create opportunities for American investors and energy businesses if the plan receives political and regulatory approval.
However, the exact structure of the proposed investment arrangement has not been publicly confirmed. Details about participating companies, ownership, financing and commercial terms remain unclear.
The involvement of US investors could become a major part of negotiations because the Trump administration is seeking economic arrangements that could support a wider diplomatic agreement.
4. Escrow Account Proposed to Restrict Russia's Access to Revenue
Another reported feature of the proposal is the possibility of placing revenue from Russian gas sales into an escrow account in a third country.
Under this arrangement, the money would be held separately rather than being transferred directly to the Russian government. The reported intention is to prevent Moscow from using the proceeds to finance its military operations in Ukraine.
The proposal could provide a mechanism for managing payments while negotiations continue. However, the legal structure, control of the account and conditions for releasing the funds have not been finalised publicly.
The escrow arrangement would also require agreement among the parties involved. Its practical implementation could become one of the most difficult parts of the negotiations.
5. Ukraine Could Receive Revenue From Transit Fees
Ukraine was historically an important transit country for Russian natural gas exports to Europe. Its pipeline network connected Russian gas supplies with several European markets.
However, Russian gas transit through Ukraine stopped on January 1, 2025, after the five-year transit agreement between Gazprom and Ukraine's Naftogaz expired. Kyiv declined to renew the arrangement while Russia's full-scale war continued.
If the proposed plan moves forward, Ukraine could once again receive revenue for transporting gas through its territory. Such income could provide financial support to the country, which continues to face the economic and infrastructure consequences of the war.
Nevertheless, restarting transit would require Ukraine's cooperation, along with technical, contractual and security arrangements.
6. European Governments May Oppose the Proposal
The proposal faces considerable resistance in Europe. Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, European countries have taken steps to reduce their reliance on Russian energy supplies.
The European Union has introduced restrictions and adopted a policy to phase out Russian natural gas imports by the end of 2027. Several European governments have argued that renewed dependence on Russian energy could create economic and security risks.
Some European officials are also concerned that allowing Russian gas back into the market could provide Moscow with additional revenue while the conflict remains unresolved.
As a result, the US proposal may face opposition even if Russia and Ukraine show interest in discussing it. European approval and compliance with existing regulations would be important for any large-scale return of Russian gas supplies.
7. Winter Energy Demand Adds Pressure to Negotiations
The timing of the proposal is significant because Europe is preparing for the winter season, when demand for natural gas generally increases.
Gas is widely used for heating, electricity generation and industrial activity across the continent. Any disruption to supplies or increase in energy prices can affect households and businesses.
The United States has reportedly presented the possibility of renewed Russian gas supplies as a way to increase availability and ease pressure on European energy prices.
However, the proposal is not guaranteed to reduce prices. Its impact would depend on the volume of gas supplied, market conditions, transportation costs, regulatory decisions and the willingness of European buyers to purchase Russian energy.
8. The Proposal Still Faces Major Challenges
The reported plan remains at the discussion stage and should not be treated as a confirmed agreement. Russia and Ukraine would need to reach an understanding on energy infrastructure and security, while European governments would have to consider the legal and political consequences of renewed imports.
There are also questions about how payments would be managed, which companies could participate and how the arrangement would comply with existing sanctions and EU regulations.
The United States is also reportedly considering broader energy arrangements involving Russian gas infrastructure, including the possibility of reopening the Nord Stream pipeline system. However, those pipelines face separate technical, ownership, legal and political obstacles.
For now, the proposal to restore Russian gas supplies through Ukraine remains part of wider diplomatic discussions. If an agreement is reached, it could reshape energy trade between Russia and Europe and create new commercial opportunities for American investors. But strong European opposition and unresolved issues surrounding the war mean that the proposal faces a difficult path before it can become a reality.
