Washington is planning for the resumption of Russian gas supplies to Europe by early November 2026. The Trump administration intends to involve American intermediaries, who would purchase Russian gas and resell it to European customers—a move that would allow U.S. companies to profit from Russian energy exports. The gas would be transported via existing pipelines running through Ukraine, a setup intended to encourage a ceasefire regarding attacks on energy infrastructure. However, this plan runs counter to the EU’s established ban on Russian gas. Meanwhile, low gas storage levels and rising energy prices are intensifying economic pressure on Europe.
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American intermediaries to sell Russian gas
US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner presented this concept during discussions in Moscow and Kyiv back in September. The proposal centers on an American intermediary taking charge of the sale of Russian natural gas. Under this arrangement, Russia would continue to extract the gas, while Ukraine would facilitate its transport through its pipeline network. The actual transactions with European buyers, however, would be handled by US companies.
This would allow Washington to tap into an additional revenue stream within the European energy market. American firms already profit from exporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Europe; in the future, they could also act as traders for Russian pipeline gas. It remains unclear whether these companies would purchase the gas themselves or merely organize its distribution. Furthermore, there is no information available regarding potential profit margins or the specific companies that might be involved.
EU Gas Ban Could Thwart American Business Model
Particularly contentious is the conflict with European energy policy. The EU has resolved to almost entirely phase out Russian gas from its market by the end of 2027. In principle, existing long-term supply contracts for pipeline gas may only be fulfilled until September 30, 2027—with a transition period extending to November 1 in certain exceptional cases. Washington is now seeking a way to resume Russian gas supplies nonetheless.
An American intermediary could potentially step in as a new contractual partner for European gas suppliers. However, such an intermediary sale does not alter the Russian origin of the natural gas. Consequently, EU regulations explicitly mandate controls to prevent circumvention via third countries or intermediaries. A long-term resumption of these supplies would therefore require legal amendments or other permissible arrangements.
US Could Profit Twice Over from Russian Gas Supplies
The American proposal opens up several economic opportunities for Washington. On one hand, US firms are already selling large volumes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to European buyers. On the other, American intermediaries could also profit from the resale of Russian gas. This would mean American companies benefit both from their own gas exports and from trading in Russian energy commodities. Whether this business model actually materializes, however, depends on further negotiations.
The economic implications would be significant. Before the war in Ukraine, Russia met approximately 45 percent of Europe’s gas demand. That share has since fallen to about 11 percent, while American LNG now accounts for roughly 30 percent of European consumption. While additional Russian pipeline imports could lower gas prices, the new trading margins captured by American intermediaries would also be factored into the final pricing.
German gas storage facilities only about 61 percent full
The American initiative comes at a time when Europe is facing a strained supply situation. At the beginning of November, German gas storage facilities were only about 61 percent full. The European average—at approximately 75 percent—was also below levels seen in previous comparable periods. Meanwhile, the consequences of the war in Iran are driving up the cost of global energy supplies. In particular, restricted LNG exports from Qatar are putting pressure on the international gas market.
The U.S. government appears to be banking on the idea that high energy prices will weaken resistance to Russian gas imports. While Germany could potentially benefit from additional pipeline capacity, the Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) does not believe there is an immediate supply gap. Furthermore, leading European governments have so far rejected any return to dependence on Russia. Consequently, the economic advantages of cheaper gas supplies are in conflict with established energy policy goals.
Russia to receive revenue – American traders to benefit
Washington is also linking the proposed gas deal to negotiations for a ceasefire. Ukraine could generate additional fees through the resumption of gas transit, while Russia would regain access to a key European market. However, the proceeds from Russian sales would initially be deposited into an escrow account in a third country. The Americans intend for this to prevent Moscow from having immediate access to the funds and using them to finance the war.
The proposal, however, faces significant political hurdles. Russia considers a swift resumption of supplies under current conditions to be impossible. At the same time, many EU member states are seeking to permanently end their dependence on Russian energy sources. Nevertheless, the American concept represents a notable shift: while Europe aims to ban Russian gas, Washington could potentially involve American intermediaries in the future sale of that very gas.
Author: Blackout News
Sources: The Wallstreet Journal (02.11.26) – Bloomberg (02.11.26) – Daily Beast (02.11.26) – Intellinews (02.11.26) – hromadske (02.11.26)