3 hrs ago
US and Russia Discuss Nord Stream Revival Amid Ukraine War
US and Russian officials have reportedly talked about whether a US investor could become involved with the Nord Stream gas pipelines.
These pipelines once carried Russian gas to Germany, but they stopped operating and were damaged by underwater explosions in 2022.
US and European sanctions make restarting them illegal unless the rules change.
Germany says it does not want the pipelines reopened and has found other sources of gas.
Some German lawmakers worry a deal would help Russia while the war in Ukraine continues.
Germany’s AfD party, by contrast, supports bringing Russian gas sales back.
The White House says any deal must benefit US taxpayers and companies, but also said there had been no recent Nord Stream discussions.
The officials have also discussed selling some Lukoil businesses to a group of investors.
The pipeline proposal faces political, legal, and ownership obstacles.
Sources say US and Russian officials have discussed bringing a US investor into the Nord Stream pipelines.
Jared Kushner and Kirill Dmitriev have met in Moscow and New York; how much they discussed Nord Stream is unclear.
The White House said any deal must benefit US taxpayers and companies, while also saying there had been no recent Nord Stream discussions.
US and EU sanctions, Germany’s opposition, and divided pipeline ownership pose major obstacles to restarting gas flows.
Kushner and Dmitriev have also discussed a possible sale of Lukoil businesses to a consortium involving the US DFC and investors from Qatar and the UAE.
- Who
- US Special Envoy Jared Kushner and Russian official Kirill Dmitriev, among other US and Russian officials.
- What
- They have reportedly discussed involving a US investor in Nord Stream and separately discussed a possible sale of Lukoil businesses.
- Where
- The meetings included Moscow and New York; Nord Stream carried gas to Germany.
- When
- The report was published October 8; Kushner and Dmitriev met in recent weeks, and Dmitriev met US Energy and Treasury representatives last month.
- Why
- Kushner has described business as a way to encourage peace; a Nord Stream deal could allow US investors to profit from energy flows if the war ends.
Opponents of Renewed Russian Energy Ties
Supporters of Renewed Russian Gas Sales
Reopening Nord Stream
Opponents of Renewed Russian Energy Ties
Germany's coalition government opposes reopening, says alternatives are available, and requires government approval. Poland and Baltic states reject renewed energy ties.
Supporters of Renewed Russian Gas Sales
Germany's AfD party supports renewed Russian gas sales, and Dmitriev has campaigned for resuming sales to Germany.
Potential business deal
Opponents of Renewed Russian Energy Ties
Some German lawmakers argue a deal could bolster Moscow while the war continues and impose costs on Europe.
Supporters of Renewed Russian Gas Sales
Kushner has advocated business-oriented prosperity agreements as a way to encourage peace and give leaders something to look forward to.
Key facts
- Pipeline
- Nord Stream carried Russian gas to Germany before Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
- Reported participants
- Jared Kushner and Kirill Dmitriev, among other US and Russian officials.
- Sanctions
- The pipelines are under US and EU sanctions; the report says restarting them would be illegal under current sanctions.
- Germany's position
- Germany says it has found alternatives, does not want reopening, and would require government approval.
- Pipeline damage
- The pipelines were damaged in underwater explosions in September 2022.
- Ownership
- Gazprom owns 51% of the company; two German entities hold 31% combined, with the remainder held by a French and a Dutch firm.
- Separate Lukoil proposal
- A possible buyer consortium would include the US DFC and investors from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
Quotes
White House official
US administration official commenting on the pipeline discussions
“Any deals will have to be negotiated by Russia with DFC (US International Development Finance Corporation) and Treasury and must benefit United States taxpayers and companies.”
telegraphindia.com
theprint.in
“On Lukoil, Steve (Witkoff) and Jared (Kushner) worked with DFC to negotiate a substantial upfront payment and profits interest for the United States.”
theprint.in
Michael Kellner
German lawmaker and former official responsible for energy policy
“This threatens to be a dirty deal that will cost Europe dearly.”
telegraphindia.com
theprint.in
“Americans and Russians will share the profits.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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