New Delhi: America is working on a new strategy to end the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. Under this, a proposal is being prepared to restart the supply of Russian natural gas to Europe via Ukraine. According to the report of The Wall Street Journal, America is trying to achieve an energy truce between Moscow and Kiev through this plan. It is believed that this can help in preparing Russian President Vladimir Putin for peace talks.
According to the report, US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff discussed the proposal during visits to Moscow and Kiev in September. Under the plan, a US intermediary could handle the sale of Russian gas. With this, American investors can also get a stake in the business.
Will Russian gas reach Europe via Ukraine?
According to the proposal, gas can be transported from the Urengoy gas fields in Siberia to Europe using the pipeline network built in the Soviet era. This pipeline passes through Ukraine. This could help Russia regain a place in the European market, while Ukraine would earn money in the form of gas transit fees.
However, the policy of the European Union is a big challenge for this plan. The European Union has set a target to completely stop purchasing Russian natural gas by the end of 2027. Many European leaders are also not in favour of increasing energy dependence on Russia again.
Does America want to stop the war by giving economic benefits to Russia?
The US believes that Putin could agree to an energy ceasefire by regaining access to Europe’s major energy markets. However, US officials have also discussed safeguards regarding Russia’s use of gas revenues. Under the proposal, the proceeds from gas sales in Europe can be kept in an escrow account of a third country. Its purpose is to ensure that Russia does not use this money to continue its military actions.
Will Europe buy gas from Russia again?
Many countries of Europe are opposing this proposal. He believes that buying gas from Russia can again increase its energy dependence. Before the war, Russia’s share in Europe’s total gas supply was about 45 percent, which has now come down to 11 percent. At the same time, American LNG is providing about 30 percent of Europe’s consumption.
EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen has also expressed doubts about trusting Russia again. In such a situation, it will not be easy for this proposal to get approval from European countries.
How difficult will it be to restore the gas supply from Nord Stream pipeline?
The US is also looking at the option of the Nord Stream pipeline to transport gas from Russia to Europe. However, resuming this path may be quite difficult. Nord Stream-1 stopped supplying gas in August 2022, while Nord Stream-2 never became operational. Both pipelines were badly damaged by undersea explosions in September 2022.
At present, the option of restoring gas supply through Ukraine is considered relatively easy. Discussions on the plan may intensify ahead of the proposed trilateral talks between the US, Russia and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi in mid-November. However, to implement it, the consent of Russia, Ukraine and European countries will be necessary.
