**Russia and US Discuss Reviving Gas Supplies to Europe**
In a significant development, Moscow and Washington have started discussing the potential resumption of Russian gas supplies to Europe. This news comes from Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov, who confirmed it to the state-run Interfax news agency.
These talks between Russia and the US may have far-reaching implications for European energy markets. The EU has been trying to reduce its reliance on Russian gas since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. As a result, Russian pipeline gas now accounts for only 19% of European supply, down from 45%. This decline has led to significant losses for Russia’s state-owned energy giant Gazprom, which reported a $13.1 billion loss in 2024.
**A Strategic Move by the US**
The involvement of the US in these talks may also serve as a strategic move to gain visibility over future Russian energy flows. By participating in these discussions, Washington may be able to mitigate political opposition in Europe and create an opportunity for itself to become more involved in European energy markets.
According to sources familiar with the matter, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff has been holding talks with a Kremlin envoy, Kirill Dmitriev. Their last meeting took place on April 11 in St. Petersburg, despite initial denials from Russia’s Direct Investment Fund that such discussions were taking place.
**EU’s Efforts to Diversify**
Despite these developments, opposition within the EU remains firm. The European Commission recently presented a detailed roadmap to fully sever the bloc’s energy dependence on Russia by 2027. This plan has been described as the most comprehensive effort yet to end imports of Russian gas, oil, and nuclear fuel.
Critics argue that this dependency has compromised EU sovereignty and funded the Kremlin’s war machine in Ukraine. Some EU countries, such as Hungary, Slovakia, Belgium, and France, continue receiving Russian gas through pipelines or long-term liquefied natural gas (LNG) contracts. However, these efforts to diversify are expected to increase, making it even more challenging for Russia to regain its market share.
**The Implications**
The resumption of Russian gas supplies to Europe would have significant implications for energy markets and geopolitics. It could also undermine the EU’s efforts to reduce its reliance on Russian energy resources. The US involvement in these talks adds a new layer of complexity, as it may create an opportunity for Washington to gain strategic visibility over future Russian energy flows.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is certain: Europe will be closely watching these developments, and the potential implications for their energy markets and security interests will be at the forefront of everyone’s minds.
