Andrea Innocenti The European energy landscape has been shaken by the war in Ukraine, which has led to a drastic reduction in Russian gas imports . EU nations have had to resort to alternative, often more expensive, supplies to ensure security of supply during the coldest months. Against this backdrop, Washington has begun to exert increased pressure to reactivate traditional routes, particularly those passing through Ukraine, with the aim of stabilizing the energy market before winter.
US encourages restoration of Russian gas through Ukraine
American authorities have explicitly expressed their desire to accelerate the resumption of Russian natural gas flows to Europe via Ukrainian pipelines . This push is part of broader negotiations aimed at establishing an energy truce for the winter season, an agreement that should allow European countries to benefit from lower prices and greater supply stability.
The idea is that if gas pipelines fill their capacity again, the EU will be able to reduce its dependence on more expensive or less reliable sources.
Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner hesitate: concerns expressed during September trip
During a working trip to Russia and Ukraine in September, businessman Steve Witkoff and former presidential adviser Jared Kushner expressed reservations about the American proposal.
Both feared that the rapid restoration of gas supplies could create additional geopolitical tensions, especially given the sanctions still in place against Moscow. Their concerns emerged in a series of meetings with local leaders, during which they stressed the need for a more cautious approach to avoid potential retaliation or escalation.
Meetings on the ground in Russia and Ukraine
Conversations held in various cities, including Moscow and Kyiv, revealed a range of conflicting opinions. On the one hand, some Ukrainian authorities expressed openness to more intensive use of their transport infrastructure, hoping to reap economic benefits. On the other, Russian officials expressed reservations about supplying gas to European countries via a route that passes through conflict-ridden territory, fearing potential diplomatic repercussions. Witkoff and Kushner's stance reflected this complexity, suggesting that any decision requires careful consideration of the long-term consequences.
The role of an American intermediary in overcoming sanctions
To facilitate the transfer of Russian natural gas despite international restrictions, the use of an American intermediary has been proposed . This entity would act as a neutral intermediary, allowing the product to pass through existing channels without explicitly violating sanctions imposed on Moscow. The approach was designed to ensure that payments and transactions remain compliant with US regulations, minimizing the risk of sanctions for the parties involved.
The idea of an intermediary has been welcomed with interest by some energy sector players, but has also drawn criticism from observers who fear a potential "escape of responsibility" by US authorities. The issue remains open, with the need to establish transparency and traceability mechanisms to ensure the flow of gas occurs legitimately and safely, while also contributing to the goal of an energy truce that can sustain Europe through the winter.