The United States is considering a plan to allow Russian gas to flow through Ukraine to Europe, according to sources familiar with the matter. The proposal, reportedly backed by Donald Trump's emissaries Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, involves using an American intermediary to facilitate the transactions. The plan was discussed in September during meetings in Moscow and Kiev. The gas would be placed on a blocked account in a third country.
This development is part of a broader effort by Washington to ease tensions with Moscow. On October 9, Trump announced an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Poutine to release hundreds of thousands of tons of Russian diesel onto the global market. The US Treasury subsequently issued a license allowing these transactions, including to the US, until April 7, 2027. The move has been seen as a significant shift in US policy towards Russia.
The US has taken several steps in recent weeks to reduce tensions with Russia. Two days after announcing the diesel deal, Trump declared an energy ceasefire, although Russia has continued its military operations. On October 16, Trump suspended sanctions and tariffs imposed under the Graham law, citing US national interests. The decisions have sparked criticism from Kiev, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky describing the diesel agreement as "weak" and predicting further sanctions relief.
The Ukrainian government has expressed concerns about the potential consequences of easing sanctions on Russia. Zelensky's comments reflect the anxiety in Kiev about the impact on Ukraine's interests. The US plan to resume Russian gas transit through Ukraine has not been met with public support from European countries, which have been working to reduce their dependence on Russian energy.
European countries have made significant progress in reducing their reliance on Russian gas. Current stockpiles are around 75%, and Russia now accounts for only 11% of Europe's gas consumption, down from 45% before the conflict. The US plan has been seen as an attempt to stabilize European energy markets, but its feasibility and potential impact on Ukraine and Russia remain uncertain.
The proposal to resume Russian gas transit through Ukraine is one of several recent US initiatives aimed at engaging with Russia. The plan's success depends on various factors, including the willingness of European countries to participate and the response from Ukraine and Russia. The US administration has not provided details on the plan's implementation or timeline.
The developments have significant implications for European energy security and the Ukraine-Russia conflict. As the situation continues to evolve, key stakeholders, including the US, Europe, Ukraine, and Russia, will be closely watching the outcome. The US plan may help alleviate energy concerns in Europe, but it also raises questions about the long-term impact on Ukraine and the broader region.
Key points
- The US is exploring ways to resume Russian gas transit through Ukraine to Europe.
- The plan involves using an American intermediary to facilitate transactions.
- The development is part of a broader US effort to ease tensions with Russia.
