US backs return of Russian gas to Europe through Ukraine, WSJ reports

The United States is backing a rapid restart of Russian natural gas deliveries to Europe through pipelines crossing Ukraine, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing US and European officials. The proposal is part of negotiations seeking an energy ceasefire before the approaching winter.

US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff raised the idea during visits to Moscow and Kyiv in September, according to the newspaper. Under the proposed arrangement, a US intermediary would sell Russian gas to European buyers to circumvent European sanctions. People involved in the discussions told the WSJ that the arrangement could also create a lucrative opportunity for American investors.

The newspaper said the proposal had gained particular relevance since Ukraine resumed attacks on Russian oil refineries. US officials see renewed access to Europe's gas market as a possible incentive for Russian leader Vladimir Putin to accept a deal. They also argue that routing the supplies through Ukraine would generate transit fee income for Kyiv.

White House officials have proposed placing Russia's earnings from European gas sales in an account in a third country. The purpose of that arrangement would be to prevent the Kremlin from using the proceeds to fund the war, according to the report. The proposal therefore links the resumption of deliveries with restrictions on Russia's access to the resulting revenue.

Washington has sought European Union backing for the plan, the WSJ reported. But existing EU legislation requires purchases of Russian natural gas to end completely by the close of 2027. European officials cited by the newspaper said the bloc broadly opposes allowing Russian gas back into its markets.

The discussions also extend to Nord Stream. The United States is considering a possible restart of those pipelines as a potentially significant part of a wider agreement addressing both the war in Ukraine and longstanding disputes between Russia and America's European allies.

Earlier reports said Washington had proposed that European countries release some Russian sovereign assets frozen after Russia launched its full-scale war against Ukraine. Those assets would be transferred to a financial vehicle controlled by Washington as part of an effort to restart peace negotiations.

Separately, US President Donald Trump said on October 9 that he had spoken with Putin and reached an agreement on supplying Russian diesel fuel to the United States and global markets.