Susanna Riva The US president has introduced a proposal that will rewrite the energy balance between Europe and Russia: reactivating Russian gas pipelines, which have been inactive since the conflict in Ukraine erupted , to lower energy prices. The idea has been described as a diplomatic lever capable of opening up space for broader peace negotiations, but it immediately faced criticism from Brussels and Kiev.
Reactivating Russian gas pipelines: the White House proposal
According to sources close to the United States government, Donald Trump's administration has begun discussions with European officials and the Ukrainian leadership to explore the reopening of these infrastructures. The stated goal is to relieve pressure on European household budgets by reducing electricity and gas bills, as well as creating an economic stimulus plan for both Moscow and Kyiv.
Who led the negotiations?
At the heart of these discussions are Jared Kushner and developer Steve Witkoff, who met with representatives of the European Union and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The United States suggested that energy exports could become part of a broader agreement, guaranteeing new revenue for Russia and, theoretically, benefits for Ukraine as well.
However, the proposal risks undoing the progress the EU has made in recent years to reduce its dependence on Russian gas.
The suspended Graham Act: A diplomatic crossroads
At the same time, the president signed an executive order halting the Graham Act, a law passed by Congress by a vote of 86 to 11. The measure would have introduced new and stringent sanctions against Russia and its trading partners. The suspension came a week after the lifting of restrictions on Russian diesel, signaling a clear shift in American policy.
Reactions from Moscow to Kiev
Kirill Dmitriev, a leading figure in the Russian energy sector, called the decision a " historic moment " and praised the Trump administration for "opening a new window" for Russia. In contrast, President Zelensky called the suspension "a reward for the aggressor," expressing anger and disappointment that Washington would reward Russia while the conflict continues.
Criticism from Congress
The measure sparked a wave of bipartisan condemnation. Democratic Representative Don Beyer called the act "vile and cowardly," while Senator Richard Blumenthal emphasized the irresponsible nature of the decision, citing the 86-11 vote in favor of the Graham Act . Republican Senator Thom Tillis also called for clarification, noting that the president would have to abide by a law passed by the Senate. Fellow Senator John Cornyn commented that "Lindsey would have been horrified."
Consequences for energy security and peace
The plan to reactivate Russian gas pipelines clashes with the European Union's strategy, which, despite pressure, continues to develop the 22nd sanctions package . European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated that sanctions are putting increasing pressure on the Russian economy, but also admitted that "more needs to be done." Washington's position, therefore, risks creating a rift within the transatlantic bloc.
Meanwhile, Zelensky confirmed that the negotiating channel with the United States is still open and that a meeting could take place as early as next week, with the possibility of a trilateral meeting involving Russia by December, during the G20. However, he insisted that Europe must maintain its own diplomatic outlet with Moscow to avoid becoming dependent again on a strategically vulnerable energy source.
The debate remains heated, and the coming months will be crucial to understanding whether the American strategy will be able to reconcile energy interests with the imperatives of security and national sovereignty.