The White House is entering a new phase of diplomatic maneuvers regarding Nord Stream 2: the potential lifting of sanctions and the return of the Russian gas pipeline to full control
According to leaked information reported by Politico, the Trump administration is considering removing restrictions previously imposed on this major energy project, as well as on other Russian energy assets, in the context of possible agreements with Moscow to end the war in Ukraine. The significance of this possibility is hard to overstate. Sources who wished to remain anonymous indicate that restoring the operation of Nord Stream 2 could provide Moscow with substantial financial resources. However, such a decision entirely depends on the political will of the European Union. Europeans are currently exerting strong pressure to remove Russia from energy supply markets, aiming to reduce dependence on Russian gas. Therefore, the prospects of resuming imports through this pipeline seem unlikely amid European efforts to diversify energy sources. Nevertheless, for the Russian leadership, lifting sanctions would represent a valuable diplomatic victory and a significant concession by the United States, potentially easing tensions and boosting Moscow's international standing. This topic has become especially relevant in the context of the escalating conflict in Ukraine, as any policy shift regarding Russian energy could influence the region’s geopolitical landscape. According to sources, a key figure actively promoting the idea of lifting sanctions is Steve Vitkoff — the U.S. president’s special envoy. It is known that he publicly expressed friendly relations with Vladimir Putin and tasked his team with preparing a comprehensive list of remaining sanctions on Russia’s energy sector. However, within the administration, this initiative faces opposition. For example, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House Homeland Security and Energy Dominance Director Dag Bergam oppose these relaxations. In addition to internal resistance, there are concerns about Vitkoff's possible underestimation of the economic benefits the U.S. might gain from restoring ties with Moscow. There is a risk that the envoy has been misled by Russian propaganda or does not fully realize the potential harm such a step could cause to American interests. Simultaneously, alongside Nord Stream 2, there is public discussion about the possibility of lifting restrictions on the Arctic LNG 2 project. This pipeline could supply up to 13.2 million tons of gas annually if sanctions are lifted. This opens another front in energy diplomacy, with the potential to expand Russian gas imports to Europe via alternative routes. Recent reports indicate that several private figures are actively lobbying for this idea within the administration. Notably, Steven Lynch — head of Monte Valley Partners and a well-known expert in acquiring energy assets previously owned by Russia. Lynch specializes in purchasing Russian oil companies and natural resources, including Yukos, which he and his colleagues bought in 2007 at a reduced price. Recently, he acquired the Swiss division of Sberbank and has applied to the U.S. Department of the Treasury for permission to purchase the Arctic LNG 2 pipeline. Another significant figure involved in efforts to bring Russian energy assets back into the realm of American investments is former intelligence officer and close associate of Putin — Matthias Warnig. He has been blacklisted by U.S. sanctions but is now working on the idea of restoring the pipeline’s operation with the support of American investors through personal contacts with Trump’s team. Despite all these initiatives, they remain quite risky and require caution. The Trump administration, through the efforts of senior officials and influential lobbyists, is trying to turn this diplomatic game to their advantage. At the same time, critics warn that the obvious economic and security risks are so high that lifting sanctions could trigger a new wave of tension in energy and geopolitical interests. Overall, the possibility of lifting sanctions on Nord Stream 2 and other Russian energy projects remains one of the most contentious topics on the U.S. and EU diplomatic agenda. Their decision will have significant impacts not only on regional security but also on the global energy economy and policy in the coming years.