US and Russia Explore Resuming Gas Sales to Europe Amid Ukraine War

The United States and Russia have discussed restarting Russian gas sales to Europe as part of broader efforts to improve economic ties. The discussions have included a possible role for a U.S. investor in the Nord Stream pipelines. U.S. Special Envoy Jared Kushner and Russian presidential adviser Kirill Dmitriev have discussed the issue during recent meetings in Moscow and New York. Kushner has also been working to help broker a truce in the Ukraine war. He has argued that stronger business ties could support wider peace efforts. However, the talks have not produced a final agreement, and a U.S. official has said major obstacles could make a deal unlikely in the medium term.

Dmitriev has pushed for renewed Russian gas sales to Germany and has met U.S. Energy and Treasury officials to discuss possible energy initiatives. In addition, the White House has said any potential agreement would have to involve the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation and the Treasury Department. The administration has also said the arrangement would need to benefit U.S. taxpayers and American companies. The discussions therefore have linked energy, investment and diplomacy, but significant political and economic hurdles remain.

Germany’s Nord Stream Debate Highlights Energy, Security and Political Divisions

Germany opposes reopening the Nord Stream pipelines under current conditions, as Russian gas and the pipelines remain under European sanctions. Berlin has developed alternative gas supplies since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Before the war, Germany had received more than half of its gas from Russia through Nord Stream. The pipelines had carried Russian gas directly to Germany beneath the Baltic Sea. However, Moscow later cut supplies, and underwater explosions damaged much of the system in September 2022. Gazprom owns 51% of Nord Stream, while two German entities hold 31% and French and Dutch companies own the remainder. Poland and the Baltic states also oppose renewed energy ties with Russia, making any revival a highly sensitive issue.

The debate has also deepened Germany’s political divisions over energy security and relations with Moscow. German officials have accused Russia of hybrid attacks, while some lawmakers warn that new business deals could strengthen Russia during the Ukraine war. The AfD supports reopening Nord Stream, and Russian adviser Kirill Dmitriev is expected to meet the party’s leaders early next year. Any restart would face major legal and political hurdles because U.S. and EU sanctions remain in place, although President Donald Trump could potentially ease U.S. sanctions. In addition, discussions have included a possible sale of Lukoil’s foreign assets to a group involving the U.S. DFC, Qatar and UAE investors. For now, a return of Russian gas to Germany remains a distant prospect, as sanctions, security concerns and political divisions continue to shape the debate.

Web Resources On US, Russia Explore Resuming Gas Sales to Europe

1. Reuters : US, Russia explore gas sale to Europe amid Ukraine war.
2. IEA : Gas Market Report Q1 2026
3. IEA : EU phase-out of Russian gas creates new diversification opportunities.