Is the USA currently exploring opportunities for cooperation with Gazprom with regard to global energy projects? Will this also pave the way for closer cooperation with the Kremlin and peace in Ukraine?

Russian and European officials, who do not wish to be named, report that the US is exploring opportunities for co-operation with Gazprom - according to Bloomberg. It is believed that this is seen as a step towards rapprochement between the US and Russia, while at the same time attempts are being made to negotiate a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. According to European assessments, there have already been contacts between US and Russian representatives - who is leading the negotiations and whether the Trump administration is involved remains unclear for the time being. There is speculation that the aforementioned cooperation could affect Europe and Asia and may be part of a broader US push to weaken Russia's relations with China and Iran. According to Foreign Minister Rubio, Russia should not be a "permanent junior partner" of Beijing.

Talks on possible cooperation are said to be at an early stage and no concrete projects have been discussed so far. As President Putin has repeatedly stated that he is prepared to resume gas supplies to the EU, this could involve the commissioning of the undamaged section of the Nord Stream II system. Cooperation with regard to the Sakhalin LNG project and projects in the Arctic would also be conceivable. The resumption of gas transit through Ukraine could be part of a peace plan in which the USA acts as a mediator.

With regard to the commissioning of the undamaged Nord Stream II pipeline, it would be up to Germany whether a licence for commissioning would be issued - given that Germany is counted among the supporters of Ukraine and other EU MS might not consider commissioning to be expedient from an EU perspective. The possible cooperation between the USA and Gazprom outlined above would mean a 180° turnaround by President Trump, who sharply criticised Europe's dependence on energy supplies from Russia during his first presidency - but President Trump is known for his sometimes erratic policies. Motto: "What do I give a damn about my stupid chatter from yesterday! " said the Prussian cultural politician Friedrich Althoff

Considering that the EU is not even invited to the peace negotiations - although who should actually represent the EU (another quote: "Who do I call when I want to call Europe?" according to Henry Kissinger) and deals are negotiated over the heads of Europeans - it would make sense from the EU perspective to diversify its gas supplies as much as possible in order to avoid a potential pincer grip by the USA and Russia (you never know). Strategic gas reserves - as already introduced in Austria - should also be made mandatory in the other EU MS and - last but not least - energy import dependency should be reduced as soon as possible, while at the same time increasing energy efficiency.