Kiev is proposing a strategy that could enable the U.S. to displace Russia in Europe, coinciding with President Trump’s efforts to reduce the continent’s dependence on Moscow’s energy supplies and to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The pipeline running beneath Ukraine may facilitate the distribution of fuel extracted within the U.S., as indicated by Ukrainian Energy Minister Svitrana Grignuk.
This collaboration appears to provide a pathway for American oil companies to take over Moscow’s role in the European energy landscape.
“Ukraine’s gas and oil systems have long been vital to Europe’s energy security because they serve as a conduit from Russia to Europe,” Grignuk explained.
Moreover, she noted that the U.S. and other international allies could leverage this infrastructure to enhance European energy security by utilizing Ukraine’s gas and oil storage facilities.
Ukraine currently holds the most significant natural gas storage capacity in Europe.
Peace and Profit
Andri Yermak, a leading advisor to Ukrainian President Voldy Mirzelensky, recently discussed this notion with U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz during the U.N. General Assembly. He noted that Kiev could assist the U.S. in supplying oil for European transport.
If President Trump endorses this idea, it could bring an abrupt end to Russia’s actions in Ukraine while simultaneously enriching the U.S. economy through the shift from Russian to American energy sales.
“I requested a meeting between our energy secretary and Grynchuk,” Yermak said, emphasizing the need for urgency.
However, the level of interest from U.S. officials about this proposal remains unclear. Both Waltz and the Secretary’s office were unavailable for immediate comments.
“Ukraine is a responsible partner. We need to collaborate, particularly against Russia,” Yermak added. “We are open to discussions about working together.”
Reducing Europe’s reliance on Russian energy could apply pressure on President Putin to cease hostilities in Ukraine, as Trump has stated repeatedly.
Some critiques assert this could endanger Europe’s energy security, while Yermak argues that it opens doors for alternative energy suppliers like the U.S. to plug the shortfall.
Grignuk also suggested that beyond sourcing American energy for Europe, the U.S. and Ukraine could explore cooperative ventures in mineral trade to market Ukrainian energy to European nations.
The established mineral trade would allow profits to be shared between Kyiv and Washington, with American companies processing and dividing earnings from Ukrainian oil through local infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the state-run Naphthogaz is increasingly seeking partnerships with U.S. energy firms this year.
Currently, American liquefied natural gas accounts for about 8% of Ukraine’s supply, a significant rise from just before Trump’s administration, according to CEO Sergii Koretskyi.
“We want to see that figure grow. Our domestic gas production isn’t sufficient, and complete energy independence in the near future is unrealistic,” he remarked. “We are willing to provide infrastructure and storage to U.S. firms and purchase LNG resources as well.”
European Holdouts
Trump’s recent efforts have focused on persuading the EU to turn away from Russian oil, which forms a crucial part of Moscow’s war funding.
Key opponents include non-EU countries like Turkey and Serbia, as well as EU members such as Slovakia and Hungary.
Zelensky is reportedly engaging Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico to seek alternative energy sources.
Both Yermak and Zelensky are optimistic about Slovakia’s willingness to transition from Russian supplies.
“We stand ready to collaborate with our European allies, and we have received positive feedback from the Prime Minister about exploring alternatives,” Yermak noted.
In a recent White House visit, Trump urged Turkish President Erdogan to relinquish Russian oil purchases.
“We desire to cease buying oil from Russia because their aggression against Ukraine continues,” he expressed during discussions with Erdogan, highlighting the substantial losses Moscow has incurred.
As for Hungary, while they currently maintain ties to Russian oil, Yermak believes Trump’s influence could help loosen that dependency.
“The U.S. has a strong relationship with Hungary and can impact their decisions,” he mentioned.
Serbia is exploring ways to diversify its energy sources through American avenues, according to Foreign Minister Marco Ulic. However, since 2008, there have been no substantial moves to reduce reliance on Russian oil, especially since the Kremlin has significant ownership in Serbia’s Naftna Industrija Srbije.
Belgrade has also sought regular postponements of sanctions affecting NIS due to this Russian stake.
These sanctions, initially imposed in January by the U.S. Treasury against Russia’s oil sector, have been delayed multiple times but are now anticipated to take effect on October 8th.
Ulic emphasized Serbia’s commitment to energy stability, stating, “We continue our dialogues with U.S. partners to identify sustainable solutions that align with our energy needs.”
