The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed that European countries restart purchases of Russian natural gas, according to The New York Times. The plan is reportedly part of a broader U.S. initiative aimed at securing a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. However, the proposal has raised concerns among European officials, who worry that restoring Moscow’s energy revenues could have major economic and security repercussions.
Washington Ties Russian Gas to Peace Negotiations
The New York Times reports that U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Donald Trump’s son-in-law, presented the possible resumption of Russian gas imports during discussions with Ukrainian and European officials.
The proposal was discussed during a September meeting in Kyiv with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The topic has since come up in further talks about ending the war.
The U.S. administration reportedly believes that resuming Russian gas imports could offer Moscow an economic incentive to accept a peace deal. At the same time, Ukraine would gain transit revenues from pipeline flows, and European nations would benefit from more affordable energy supplies.
For now, the idea remains a proposal—not a finalized or approved agreement among the United States, European Union, Ukraine, and Russia.
European Leaders Wary of Proposal
According to The New York Times, European negotiators have reacted negatively to the American initiative. A renewed reliance on Russian gas could strengthen Moscow’s economic standing and restore its influence over Europe’s energy market.
Since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, European countries have been working to reduce dependence on Russian energy. They have invested in alternative suppliers, liquefied natural gas, and new transit routes.
A return to higher volumes of Russian imports would mark a significant departure from Europe’s current energy policy direction.
Slovakia’s energy security and the search for alternatives to Russian supplies were also discussed during Economy Minister Denisa Saková’s recent visit to the United States. Read more in the article Denisa Saková in the White House: U.S. Gas Supplies and Alternatives to Russian Oil.
Resuming Russian Gas Could Bring Moscow Revenue and Influence
Restarting Russian gas flows to Europe would provide Moscow with additional earnings from energy exports. Such revenues are especially significant for financing the Russian state amid the ongoing war with Ukraine.
Moreover, Russia could regain its lost market share and increase its leverage—both economic and political—as energy supplies have historically been used for diplomatic pressure.
Supporters of the American proposal argue that economic incentives could help facilitate peace talks. Critics, however, warn that Russia could reap financial and strategic benefits without credible guarantees of lasting peace.
Europe Seeks to Limit Dependence on Moscow
The European Union has, in recent years, pursued supply diversification and reduced reliance on Russian energy to limit Moscow’s ability to use its oil and gas for political leverage.
Resuming large-scale Russian gas imports would require not only a political agreement but also solutions to legal, commercial, and infrastructure issues. Existing EU regulations and planned restrictions on Russian energy imports would play a crucial role.
For individual member states, decisions would differ, as countries vary in their access to alternatives, transit options, and levels of gas dependency.
Peace Deal Remains Uncertain
The American proposal shows that Washington is considering economic tools as part of potential negotiations to end the war. However, the idea of resuming Russian gas imports does not mean Moscow will accept peace terms or that Europe is ready to reverse its energy strategy.
Ultimately, any agreement will depend on finding terms acceptable to Ukraine and its European partners and on creating the conditions for a longer-lasting ceasefire.
Read more about Washington–Moscow relations in our article: Trump Claims After Call with Putin that Russian President Wants Ukraine Deal.
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This article was translated from the original Slovak version with the assistance of AI.
