U.S. Proposes Russian Gas Sales to Europe for Ceasefire

The Federal government of the United States is proposing the resumption of Russian natural-gas sales to Europe through pipelines in Ukraine to facilitate an energy ceasefire. U.S. envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff suggested using a U.S. intermediary to bypass European sanctions, with proceeds held in a third-party escrow account to prevent the Kremlin from using the funds to finance its war.

The proposal seeks to lower European energy prices during a winter of low gas reserves while providing Ukraine with essential transit fee revenue. The urgency for the deal follows recent Ukrainian air attacks on Russian refineries. However, European leaders have resisted the plan, citing strategic vulnerabilities and existing legislation intended to phase out Russian gas by 2027.

Russia has so far rebuffed American attempts to reach an agreement. Despite this resistance, three-way peace negotiations between the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine are planned for mid-November in Abu Dhabi.