 |
| Verlegung der Ostsee-Gaspipeline Nord Stream 1 in der Ostsee im Jahr 2010 |
US and Russia Explore Possible Return of Gas Sales to Europe
BERLIN/WASHINGTON — October 8, 2026
U.S. and Russian officials have discussed bringing a U.S. investor into the Nord Stream pipeline system, raising the possibility of renewed Russian gas supplies to Europe if the war in Ukraine eventually ends.
The discussions have involved U.S. Special Envoy Jared Kushner and Kirill Dmitriev, a senior adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to people familiar with the matter. The talks are part of broader U.S.-Russia contacts focused on Ukraine, energy and potential business agreements.
Kushner, who has been involved in efforts to broker a truce between Russia and Ukraine, has argued that commercial agreements could help support longer-term peace. A possible energy deal could allow U.S. investors to benefit from gas flows to Europe if Russian supplies eventually return.
Kushner and Dmitriev have met in Moscow and New York in recent weeks. It was not clear whether Nord Stream was discussed during those meetings, but people familiar with the discussions said the pipeline issue remains part of the broader agenda.
A White House official said any potential agreements involving Russia would have to be negotiated with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation and Treasury Department and would need to benefit American taxpayers and companies.
The official separately said there had been no recent discussions about Nord Stream, underscoring uncertainty over whether Washington intends to pursue such a deal.
Dmitriev has previously advocated restoring Russian gas exports to Germany. Last month, he met U.S. Energy and Treasury Department representatives to discuss possible energy initiatives between the two countries.
It remains unclear whether the United States would support the full restoration of Russian gas deliveries to Germany, Europe's largest energy consumer. A U.S. official said a deal was unlikely in the medium term because of significant legal and political obstacles.
The Nord Stream pipelines are subject to U.S. and European Union sanctions, meaning restarting the existing system would currently be prohibited. Any change would require sanctions to be eased or lifted, creating additional political hurdles in Washington and Europe.
Germany and several other European countries are also expected to oppose a return to Russian energy dependence. Germany has spent heavily on alternative energy supplies and is strengthening its military as it responds to security concerns linked to Russia's war in Ukraine.
A spokeswoman for Germany's economy and energy ministry said Russian gas and Nord Stream remain under European sanctions. She said Germany had developed alternative supplies and that reopening the pipelines would require government approval, which Berlin does not currently support.
Before Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Germany obtained more than half of its natural gas from Russia through Nord Stream and other routes. The Nord Stream pipelines were effectively mothballed after Russian supply reductions and were later damaged by underwater explosions in September 2022.
Political and ownership hurdles
The possible discussions over Nord Stream come amid deep distrust between Russia and several European governments.
European officials have previously expressed concern that Moscow could use negotiations with Washington to pursue economic opportunities rather than quickly end the war. Germany has also accused Russia of conducting hybrid operations against European countries.
Some German lawmakers argue that renewed energy or business ties could provide economic benefits to Moscow while its war in Ukraine continues.
Germany's government remains opposed to restarting Nord Stream, although the Alternative for Germany party supports restoring closer energy and economic ties with Russia. Dmitriev is expected to meet AfD leaders next year to discuss the possibility of renewed Russian gas supplies.
Ownership of the pipeline company would also complicate any potential agreement. Russian state energy company Gazprom owns 51% of the company, while German entities hold 31% and French and Dutch companies own the remainder.
The German shareholders are seeking to retain their stakes if Gazprom eventually sells its share, according to a person familiar with the matter. This could allow Germany to maintain some influence over the pipeline system.
Kushner has also discussed broader energy arrangements with European officials. After meetings in Moscow, he said in Kyiv that he had spoken with European counterparts about higher energy prices caused by the war and promoted agreements designed to create economic incentives for peace.
A renewed Russian gas deal would likely divide opinion in Germany and across Europe. Poland and the Baltic states, which view Russia as a major security threat, have been particularly opposed to restoring energy ties.
Polish political leaders are monitoring the discussions but remain opposed to reopening the pipeline, according to a person familiar with the government's position.
The talks between U.S. and Russian officials have also extended beyond natural gas. Kushner and Dmitriev have discussed a possible sale of European and other assets owned by Russian energy company Lukoil, including refineries and petrol stations.
Under a proposal described by people familiar with the discussions, a consortium involving the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation and investors from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates could acquire the assets if U.S. sanctions were lifted.
The White House said Kushner and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff had worked with the DFC on a deal that would provide the United States with an upfront payment and a share of future profits.
Any return of Russian gas to Europe therefore faces several unresolved issues, including sanctions, pipeline ownership, European opposition and the continuing war in Ukraine. For now, the discussions remain exploratory rather than a confirmed agreement to resume gas deliveries
