US Proposes Restarting Russian Gas Supplies to Europe by Reactivating Nord Stream Pipeline

US Pushes to Resume Russian Gas Deliveries and Revive Nord Stream

According to Рубрика — Політика: The United States has put forward a plan to reinstate Russian natural gas exports to Europe by bringing the Nord Stream pipeline back online. This proposal aims to leverage economic incentives to encourage Moscow towards a peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Key components include offering Russia commercial contracts with American firms, a phased easing of sanctions, and a broader normalization of diplomatic ties between Washington and Moscow.

Additionally, the plan features a special investment package for Ukraine and a proposal to guarantee Ukraine’s future membership in the European Union if it agrees to forgo NATO accession. A crucial part of the agreement would involve establishing a demilitarized zone in the Donbas region. However, it is important to note that the US does not have the legal authority to unilaterally restore Russian gas exports to Europe, and this initiative conflicts with existing European Union laws and regulations.

Special Envoy’s Visit and Pipeline Status

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff visited Saint Petersburg on October 21, 2026, amid these developments. In the summer of 2022, Russia began reducing gas flows through Nord Stream 1, eventually halting them completely. Nord Stream 2 never became operational due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and both pipelines suffered extensive damage from explosions in the fall of 2022.

In August 2024, Italian authorities arrested Ukrainian national Sergey Kuznetsov, suspected of orchestrating the sabotage on Nord Stream 1 and 2. German investigators allege Kuznetsov led a seven-person group that used the yacht 'Andromeda' to carry out underwater bombings. Among the group were four divers, including Vladimir, who acted as a diving instructor and directly planted explosives on the Baltic Sea floor. Whether the pipelines will be repaired or brought back online remains uncertain. Since Russia’s invasion, Germany has refused to import Russian natural gas, complicating the European energy landscape further.

This US initiative may be viewed as an attempt to find a diplomatic compromise in a complex geopolitical conflict, but it faces significant legal and political obstacles. Restoring Russian gas supplies to Europe could deeply impact the region’s energy security, especially as many countries, Germany included, have been actively seeking alternatives to Russian energy sources. The future course will largely depend on the European Union’s response and Ukraine’s stance regarding the proposed conditions.

As discussions around the resumption of Russian gas supplies gain momentum, it's essential to explore the implications of such a move. Recent analyses, including insights from The Economist, suggest that this initiative could be perceived as a significant concession to Moscow, raising questions about the geopolitical landscape in Europe and beyond.