Washington is reportedly pushing for Russia to resume natural gas exports to Europe through Ukraine, with the Trump administration hoping to bring down high gas prices. According to a report citing unnamed US, European and Ukrainian representatives, US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff advanced the proposal during trips to Moscow and Kyiv in September.
Under the plan, Russian gas would be sold through a US intermediary in an effort to circumvent European restrictions, the report said. The proposal was reportedly shelved last month after Ukraine, under pressure from US President Donald Trump, unilaterally stopped attacks on Russian refineries. Kyiv has since resumed those attacks.
Relations between Washington and Kyiv are described as strained. A month ago, Trump reached an agreement with Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin under which the US would refrain from tightening sanctions on Russia. In return, Moscow would supply limited quantities of diesel to the global market to help dampen rising oil prices.
Sources: Handelsblatt.