Business · Energy & Commodities · 11 hrs ago
US proposes restoring Russian gas sales to Europe as part of Ukraine peace talks
US envoys proposed restoring large Russian gas sales to Europe as part of a possible deal to end the war in Ukraine.
The proposal was discussed with European Union and Ukrainian representatives, and included restarting Russian gas transit through Ukraine.
Washington presents the gas trade as an incentive for peace, while renewed transit could also bring Ukraine back revenue from fees.
European officials have reacted skeptically, amid the EU’s policy of reducing dependence on Russian energy.
Russian gas supplied 45% of EU gas demand in 2021, but just 13% in 2025.
Ukraine stopped Russian gas transit in 2025, and the EU has agreed to end Russian gas imports by November 2027.
Some European and Ukrainian officials suspect the US may also seek a share of Russian gas exports, but no agreement to resume supplies has been announced.
US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner proposed increasing Russian gas sales to Europe as part of a possible peace deal over Ukraine.
The proposal was discussed with European Union and Ukrainian representatives, and with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv in September, according to reports.
The US proposal also included restarting Russian gas transit through Ukraine, which stopped in 2025.
European representatives reacted skeptically or rejected the idea, which conflicts with the EU’s policy of ending Russian gas imports.
Some European and Ukrainian officials suspect the US wants a share of Russian gas exports, while Washington has presented renewed sales as an economic incentive for Russia to end the war.
- Who
- US presidential envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner proposed the plan to European and Ukrainian representatives.
- What
- They proposed increasing Russian gas sales to Europe as part of a possible Ukraine peace deal. The proposal also included restarting transit through Ukraine.
- When
- The proposal was reported on October 17, 2026; it was discussed with Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv in September.
- Where
- In talks with European Union and Ukrainian representatives, including a meeting in Kyiv.
- Why
- The US presented renewed gas sales as an economic incentive for Russia to end the war and as a way to restore Ukraine’s transit income.
US administration
European Union representatives
Purpose of renewed gas sales
US administration
The administration presented large-scale gas sales as part of a peace deal and an economic incentive for Russia to end the war.
European Union representatives
European representatives were skeptical or rejected the proposal, which conflicts with the EU’s policy of ending Russian gas imports.
Effects of the proposal
US administration
US envoys said renewed sales could benefit Ukraine through transit income and help European politicians facing voter concerns about energy prices.
European Union representatives
Some European officials and critics warned that the plan could strengthen Russia; some officials also suspect the US wants a share of Russian gas exports.
Russian gas supplied 45% of the EU’s gas demand.
Russia launched its full-scale war in Ukraine, after which the EU’s share of Russian gas imports fell.
The Nord Stream pipeline stopped operating after an explosion.
Witkoff and Kushner discussed the proposal with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv.
The EU agreed to end imports of Russian pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas by November 1, 2027.
The New York Times reported that US envoys had proposed restoring large-scale Russian gas sales to Europe as part of a possible peace deal.
- US envoys
- Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner
- EU share of gas demand
- Russian gas supplied 45% in 2021 and 13% in 2025
- Ukraine gas transit
- Stopped on January 1, 2025
- Ukraine transit income lost
- About 900 million euros a year, according to DW.com
- EU phase-out deadline
- November 1, 2027
- Pipeline discussed
- Nord Stream, between Russia and Germany
4 sources
«Тактический ход»: эксперт объяснил, почему США предлагают Европе вернуться к российскому газу
The New York Times: Белый дом предлагал ЕС увеличить закупки российского газа, а Украине — возобновить его прокачку
NYT: США предложили ЕС возобновить закупку российского газа в рамках мирного соглашения по Украине
U.S. Floats Lifeline to Russia: Allowing More Gas Sales to Europe
What people are saying
Any agreement regarding this issue will require close coordination with our European partners as part of a comprehensive peace agreement