Trump pushes EU to resume Russian gas imports, EU officials reject plan

In a bid to accelerate a peace settlement in Ukraine, the Trump administration has floated a plan for Europe to boost its purchases of Russian natural gas, a move that would provide Moscow with significant financial relief. The suggestion was conveyed by senior advisers Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff in meetings that included Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European officials. U.S. officials claim that re-opening gas pipelines would create transit earnings for Ukraine and address European demand for lower-cost energy.

EU leaders, however, rejected the proposal, warning that it would reverse long-standing policies aimed at curbing dependence on Russian energy and could weaken the bloc’s strategic autonomy. The idea also ties into broader discussions about potential control of Russian pipelines and the possible re-activation of the Nord Stream route. While the United States sees gas supply as a lever in peace talks, the EU views it as a step backward for its energy security strategy.