US pushes resumption of Russian gas supplies to Europe through Ukraine

Washington is backing a proposal to restart Russian natural gas deliveries to Europe through Ukraine, according to a Wall Street Journal report cited by Profit. US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff discussed the plan in Moscow and Kyiv in September, with gas sales routed through a US intermediary and proceeds potentially held in escrow abroad. The arrangement is being considered as part of efforts to secure an energy ceasefire before winter.

The proposal faces resistance from European governments, which have legislated to phase out Russian gas by the end of 2027, and Russia has not accepted a ceasefire, the report said. The route through Ukraine could resume more quickly than Nord Stream, while European gas storage is around 75% full, below its nine-year seasonal average. Russian gas now provides about 11% of European supplies, compared with 45% before the war; US liquefied natural gas accounts for about 30% of European consumption. Planned trilateral talks involving the US, Russia and Ukraine are expected in Abu Dhabi in mid-November.