Trump aides propose EU resume Russian gas purchases as Ukraine peace incentive

US President Donald Trump's special envoys Steve Ulykkoff and Jared Kushner have proposed that the European Union increase purchases of Russian pipeline gas as part of a potential peace settlement in Ukraine, according to The New York Times. The proposal, discussed with representatives of Ukraine and the EU, as well as directly with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in September, frames renewed gas exports as an economic incentive for Russia to end the war.

The initiative aims to address multiple stakeholders: it would allow Ukraine to restore transit fees lost since January 2025, when Kyiv halted gas transit through its territory; provide relief to European consumers and businesses facing high energy costs; and generate economic benefits for Russia. White House officials have also discussed with Russian counterparts the potential restart of Nord Stream, the Russia-Germany pipeline that ceased operations in August 2022 after an explosion, though the White House stated any agreement would require close coordination with European partners.

European officials responded with skepticism. Günter Sautter, security advisor to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, voiced sharp criticism. Some European and Ukrainian officials also suspect the US may seek a share in Russian gas exports. The EU has already committed to phasing out Russian pipeline and liquefied natural gas by November 1, 2027, and has banned new gas contracts with Russia.

Russian gas imports to the EU have declined significantly since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. In 2021, Russian gas supplied 45 percent of EU gas demand; by 2024 it fell to approximately 19 percent, and in 2025 to 13 percent. Ukraine's halt of gas transit has cost the country roughly 900 million euros annually in transit revenues. The Trump administration's proposal reflects broader negotiations with Russia, which has demanded that any conflict settlement include restoration of its integration into the global economy, including through energy exports.