Washington and Moscow are holding informal consultations on the possible resumption of Russian gas supplies to Europe, a measure that could change the region’s energy landscape and be part of a broader attempt to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. This was reported by Reuters, citing eight sources familiar with the talks.
The agency’s sources said that the key topic of the discussions was the return of Russian gas to the EU market. According to them, the restoration of energy dialogue with Moscow could become an element of a potential peace agreement, which is being discussed in a closed format. At the same time, the sources believe that US participation in this process will help soften political resistance in Europe and give Washington the opportunity to control the volumes and routes of supplies.
One of the options under consideration is the creation of an intermediary structure: Russian gas would be purchased by an American company and then resold to Europe. Such a mechanism would formally circumvent the existing restrictions imposed under sanctions pressure, while restoring economic interconnection between Russia and the EU.
Also on the agenda of discussions is the possible participation of US investors in infrastructure projects, including the Nord Stream pipeline and Gazprom assets. Such a prospect previously seemed impossible against the backdrop of tough sanctions and political tensions. However, amid the global need for energy security, especially against the backdrop of dwindling LNG supplies, some European policymakers have become more pragmatic about energy engagement with Russia.
While neither the White House nor the Kremlin has officially confirmed the talks, Reuters sources emphasise that the discussions are preliminary and depend on the political will of both sides.
The European Commission is strongly opposed to such a plan – Ursula von der Leyen has called a return to Russian energy resources ‘a mistake of historic dimensions’.
