Moscow, Washington engage in early-stage discussions about potential collaboration with Gazprom

(MENAFN) Moscow and Washington are engaged in early-stage discussions about potential collaboration with Russian energy giant Gazprom on international projects, including ventures in the Arctic, Bloomberg reported on Thursday, citing Russian and European officials. The talks come as the US explores ways to improve relations with Russia and gain access to the resource-rich Arctic region.

The Arctic has drawn global interest due to its vast untapped energy and mineral reserves, as well as its strategic shipping routes. Russia has been expanding its Northern Sea Route, the shortest maritime link between Western Eurasia and the Asia-Pacific, with investment from India and China in key Arctic energy projects.

According to Bloomberg's sources, Gazprom may offer the US involvement in Arctic and offshore projects—such as the Sakhalin liquefied natural gas initiative—if Washington lifts sanctions that currently restrict foreign investment. The discussions are said to be at the "preliminary contacts" stage, with no clear details on who is leading them or whether officials from President Donald Trump’s administration are directly participating.

The reported negotiations could also include joint energy projects in Europe and Asia, potentially serving as part of Washington’s broader effort to weaken Russia’s strategic ties with China and Iran. Bloomberg noted that energy cooperation could open new business opportunities following a potential peace deal in Ukraine, which Trump has prioritized.

Earlier this week, German news outlet Correctiv reported that US and Russian officials were discussing a deal to restore Russian energy exports. The talks allegedly include the possibility of US companies purchasing parts of the Nord Stream pipeline infrastructure and acquiring stakes in three German refineries owned by a subsidiary of Russian energy firm Rosneft.

Neither the Kremlin nor the White House has officially commented on these reports. However, President Vladimir Putin suggested on Thursday that Russia could resume gas exports to Europe via the Nord Stream pipeline once Moscow and Washington reach an energy agreement.

The Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, which were built to supply Russian gas to Germany and Western Europe, were severely damaged by underwater explosions in September 2022.

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