Exclusive-US, Russia explore gas sale to Europe amid Ukraine war, say sources

US and Russian officials have been discussing the potential sale of US investors into the Nord Stream pipelines, which previously delivered gas to Germany prior to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, according to sources. High-ranking Russian officials, including Kirill Dmitriev, a close advisor to President Vladimir Putin, and Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, have been involved in these talks.

The discussions, which took place in Moscow and New York, aim to enable US investors to profit from energy flows to Europe once the war ends. However, any deals would have to be negotiated by Russia with the US International Development Finance Corporation and Treasury, and must benefit United States taxpayers and companies. While there have been no recent discussions about Nord Stream, the topic remains on the agenda.

A White House official noted that a deal is unlikely in the medium term due to various obstacles, such as sanctions from the US and the EU making any restart illegal. Germany and other European countries, who are investing heavily in their military to defend against Russia, would strongly resist reopening the pipelines. Additionally, Germany has found alternative sources of energy and does not desire any reopening of the pipelines.

The discussions are taking place amidst deep European mistrust of Russia's motives, with earlier reports suggesting that Russia is using US talks to push for business deals instead of ending the war quickly. Germany's coalition government opposes restarting the pipeline, while the Alternative for Germany party, which is popular, wants to proceed with the idea.

Despite the hurdles, a gas deal may appeal to the Kremlin, but it would likely split German and European public opinion.