US and Russian officials have discussed bringing a US investor into the Nord Stream gas pipelines that supplied Germany before Russia invaded Ukraine, according to people familiar with the talks.
The discussions involved US Special Envoy Jared Kushner and Kirill Dmitriev, an adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin, five people told Reuters.
Kushner, who has been involved in efforts to broker an end to the Russia-Ukraine war, sees business ties as part of efforts to restore peace.
A deal could allow US investors to profit from energy flows to Europe if Russian gas exports resume after the war.
Dmitriev and Kushner have met in Moscow and New York in recent weeks. Two people familiar with the discussions said Nord Stream remained on the agenda, although it was unclear how extensively the pipeline was discussed during those meetings.
A White House official said any agreement would have to be negotiated with the US International Development Finance Corporation and the Treasury Department and benefit US taxpayers and companies.
The official also said there had been “no Nord Stream discussions recently.@Dmitriev met representatives from the US Energy and Treasury departments last month to discuss possible US-Russia energy initiatives. His representative declined to comment.
It remains unclear whether Washington wants Russian gas supplies to Germany restored. A US official said a deal was unlikely in the medium term because of significant obstacles.
The Nord Stream pipelines are under US and European Union sanctions, making a restart illegal under current restrictions.
President Donald Trump could waive or ease US sanctions, but such a move could become more difficult if Democrats take control of Congress in next month’s midterm elections.
Germany and other European countries are also expected to oppose reopening the pipelines. They are spending heavily on defence against Russia and have sought alternatives to Russian energy.
Germany’s economy and energy ministry said Nord Stream and Russian gas were under European sanctions and that Germany had secured alternative supplies. It said reopening the pipelines would require government approval and was not wanted.
Before Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Germany obtained more than half of its gas from Russia through Nord Stream. The pipelines were later taken out of service after Moscow reduced gas supplies to Europe and were damaged by underwater explosions in September 2022.
Nord Stream Ownership Dispute-The discussions between Moscow and Washington are taking place amid continued European distrust of Russia.
Five European intelligence chiefs told Reuters earlier this year that they believed Russia was using talks with the US to pursue business deals while showing little interest in ending the war quickly.
Germany, one of Ukraine’s major military supporters, has also accused Russia of carrying out hybrid attacks.
Michael Kellner, a German lawmaker involved in energy policy after Russia’s invasion, said a potential gas agreement could benefit Moscow.
“This threatens to be a dirty deal that will cost Europe dearly,” he said.
“Americans and Russians will share the profits.”
Germany’s coalition government opposes reopening Nord Stream, while the Alternative for Germany party supports restoring Russian gas supplies.
Dmitriev is expected to meet AfD leaders early next year to discuss the possible return of Russian gas to Germany.
There are also ownership obstacles. Russian state energy company Gazprom owns 51% of the company controlling the pipelines, while two German companies hold 31% between them. The remaining shares are held by French and Dutch companies.
The German shareholders want to retain their stakes to preserve German influence if Gazprom sells its share, one person familiar with the matter said.
Kushner has also discussed energy prices with European officials. During a visit to Kyiv, he said he had spoken with European counterparts about the impact of the war on energy costs and promoted “prosperity agreements” as a way to support peace.
A renewed gas deal could face opposition in Germany and across Europe, particularly in Poland and the Baltic states, which remain strongly opposed to restoring energy ties with Russia.
Poland is monitoring discussions about reopening Nord Stream but remains firmly against the idea, according to a person familiar with the government’s position.
Kushner and Dmitriev have also discussed the possible sale of Russian energy company Lukoil’s European and other overseas assets, including oil refineries and petrol stations, according to two people familiar with the talks.
Under the proposal, a consortium involving the US International Development Finance Corporation and investors from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates would acquire the assets, while US authorities would lift sanctions.
A White House official said Kushner and fellow US envoy Steve Witkoff had worked with the DFC on a deal involving an upfront payment and a share of profits for the United States.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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