American representatives are considering restoring the transit of Russian gas to Europe through the Ukrainian gas transmission system (GTS). The idea was proposed during trips to Moscow and Kyiv in September by special envoys of the President of the United States (US), Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
How the United States proposes to organise the transit
Under the proposal, the gas would be sold through a US intermediary in order to circumvent European sanctions. Transit revenues would be directed into a special account held by a third party, and Ukraine would be allocated a share of the payments.
American officials believe that restoring transit would “create a powerful incentive for Putin” to agree to an energy ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. Officials also pitched the plan to European partners as a way to reduce gas prices ahead of winter.
Reaction of European officials
European officials do not agree with the idea. A Norwegian official said it ‘goes against everything the European Union (EU) stands for’, and a senior official from another European country compared the proposal to the 1938 Munich Agreement.
The plan was shelved after Ukraine, under pressure from President Donald Trump of the United States, paused strikes on oil refineries in Russia for almost two weeks; the strikes resumed on 30 October.
Other details of the plan and supply figures
In addition to transit via the Ukrainian GTS, the United States is considering restoring supplies through Nord Stream as part of a broader peace and security agreement. Such an offer would concern not only Ukraine but also the easing of tensions between Russia and European allies.
Currently about 11% of Europe’s gas comes from Russia, whereas before the full-scale invasion this figure was 45%. Under current European Union (EU) rules, European countries are required to stop purchasing Russian gas by the end of 2027.
