White House proposed that EU buy more Russian gas and Ukraine resume transit, NYT reports

Special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, under President Donald Trump, suggested to European Union officials that they increase their purchases of Russian gas, a trend that had declined following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Witkoff and Kushner also proposed that Ukraine resume the transit of Russian gas. The envoys viewed the restoration of Russian gas exports to Europe as a potential component of a peace deal.

They argued that it would benefit both Ukraine, which would regain revenue lost when transit ceased, and European politicians, whose constituents are dissatisfied with soaring energy costs. However, Europeans rejected the proposal according to sources cited by The New York Times. Some European and Ukrainian officials suspect the United States desires Russian gas to return to Europe possibly because they aim to gain a share in the exports.

The European Union continues to buy Russian gas despite a substantial decline, with Russian gas making up 45% of the EU's gas demand in 2021 versus just 13% in 2025. Ukraine suspended the transit of Russian gas to Europe in 2025, forfeiting around a billion dollars annually in transit fees. Recently, President Trump reached an understanding with Russian President Vladimir Putin to supply Russian diesel to the global market, declined to enforce "hell sanctions" on Russia, and began pressuring Ukraine to cease its attacks on Russian oil refineries.

Trump argued that the strikes are inflating diesel prices worldwide, including in the United States, although the primary cause is the U.S. conflict with Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.