by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief
(Worthy News) – President Donald Trump’s administration is pursuing a proposal to restore Russian natural gas shipments to Europe through Ukrainian pipelines as part of a broader effort to negotiate an energy ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv, according to an exclusive report by The Wall Street Journal.
The initiative, advanced by U.S. envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff during September negotiations, would allow Russian gas to reach European markets through an American intermediary, potentially generating revenue for Ukraine while giving Russian President Vladimir Putin a financial incentive to halt attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
Under the proposal, Russian gas revenues would be deposited into a third-party escrow account intended to prevent Moscow from using the proceeds to finance its war, according to U.S. officials cited by the Journal.
The arrangement could also create substantial commercial opportunities for American investors.
European Opposition Complicates Washington’s Strategy
The proposal faces significant resistance from European governments, which have committed to eliminating Russian natural gas imports by the end of 2027.
Europe sharply reduced its dependence on Russian energy following Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Russian gas now accounts for approximately 11% of European consumption, compared with 45% before the war.
However, mounting energy pressures could complicate Europe’s position.
According to the Journal, European natural gas storage facilities are approximately 75% full, below their nine-year seasonal average. Disruptions to Qatari liquefied natural gas shipments amid the conflict involving Iran have further strained international energy markets.
Washington believes reopening Ukrainian pipelines could reduce European energy costs while providing Kyiv with desperately needed transit revenue.
Kremlin Casts Doubt on Immediate Agreement
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged Monday that restarting gas shipments through Ukraine remains unlikely under current battlefield conditions, although he left open the possibility of future arrangements.
The proposal comes ahead of planned U.S.-Russia-Ukraine negotiations in Abu Dhabi later this month.
Ukraine recently resumed attacks on Russian oil refineries following a nearly two-week pause, while Russian forces continued striking Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
The renewed American diplomatic effort represents a significant shift from Trump’s first administration, when he strongly opposed Germany’s Nord Stream 2 pipeline over concerns that Russian energy dependence threatened European security.
For Washington, the immediate challenge is whether economic incentives can persuade Moscow to accept an energy ceasefire without undermining Europe’s long-term security interests.
With winter approaching and Ukraine’s power infrastructure increasingly vulnerable, the administration appears determined to explore an unconventional energy arrangement that could open the door to broader peace negotiations.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
