U.S. Pushes to Restore Russian Gas Flows to Europe

The U.S. is reportedly exploring the prospect of reestablishing Russian gas deliveries to Europe through Ukrainian pipelines, according to a Wall Street Journal report quoting unnamed sources familiar with the negotiations. This idea emerged during presidential envoy Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff's visits to Moscow and Kyiv in September.

The proposal would entail selling Russian gas via a U.S. intermediary, although the plan faces substantial legal hurdles due to EU restrictions on Russian gas imports. The Wall Street Journal also noted that this scenario could present a "lucrative opportunity for American investors." In September 2023, following the expiration of a five-year agreement between Gazprom and Ukraine's Naftogaz, Ukraine halted all Russian gas transit.

However, the Ukrainian government could potentially gain from reinstating gas flows from Russia, generating much-needed revenue, according to the WSJ report. Additionally, a new Russian gas deal could help alleviate rising gas prices for European consumers as winter approaches and heating demand surges. Currently, EU gas reserves are at abnormally low levels, with Germany in a particularly precarious position, holding only 61% of its storage capacity, falling short of the 80% target by November 1.

Germany houses the majority of EU gas storage, accounting for over 20%. EU officials have consistently stated that there is no turning back on the strategy to gradually phase out all Russian energy imports to prevent a shock from a sudden supply disruption. Even post-Ukraine conflict, the EU maintains that it will not resume purchasing Russian energy commodities, as per the official EU stance.

Russian liquefied natural gas exports are set to cease next year. However, European nations have been the top purchasers of Russian liquefied natural gas this year, accounting for approximately 85% of Yamal LNG's global deliveries during the first nine months of 2026.