The United States is pushing to resume Russian natural gas exports to Europe through pipelines crossing Ukraine, to secure an energy ceasefire before winter, The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday, citing officials familiar with the negotiations. The proposal was raised by US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff during visits to Moscow and Kyiv in September.

How the reported plan would work

Under the reported plan, Russian gas would be sold to Europe through a US intermediary, a structure intended to navigate European sanctions and restrictions. Under one version, proceeds from Russian gas sales would be deposited into an escrow account in a third-party jurisdiction to prevent Moscow from using the revenue to finance its war in Ukraine. Washington has presented the idea to European governments as a way to lower energy prices while giving Russia a financial incentive to agree to a ceasefire covering energy infrastructure.

An important caveat

Reuters, reporting the Journal's account, said it could not independently verify the report. No final agreement, formal Ukrainian consent, European regulatory approval or confirmed restart of gas transit has been established, and Moscow has so far rejected American efforts to secure an energy ceasefire, according to the Journal. Three-way talks involving the United States, Russia and Ukraine are planned for mid-November in Abu Dhabi.

European opposition

The proposal faces strong European opposition. EU legislation requires Russian gas imports to end by 2027, and Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen has rejected renewed reliance on Moscow even after peace. Russian gas has fallen from about 45% of Europe's consumption to around 11%, and the Ukraine transit route has been inactive since the end of 2024.

Sources: The Wall Street Journal via EuropeSays, 2 November 2026; Reuters account of the Journal report; 10 Things Global News, 2 November 2026.