**US Officials Debate Lifting Sanctions on Russia’s Nord Stream 2 Pipeline**
The Trump administration is considering a major move to ease sanctions on Russia, including the contentious Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. This proposal has been met with resistance from some key officials, who argue that lifting these restrictions would be counterproductive in negotiations over Ukraine.
According to a recent report by Politico, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has advocated for easing energy sanctions as part of peace efforts in Ukraine. However, this idea has not gained traction within the White House, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed opposition to it. Rubio took to social media to deny the claim, stating that neither he nor Witkoff have discussed lifting sanctions against Russia.
The proposed deal would involve the US recognizing Russian control over Crimea and fostering closer economic ties with Russia. This move is seen as a potential concession to Moscow, which has been waging an ongoing war in Ukraine. The Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which was damaged in an unexplained explosion in 2022, would also need to be restarted for this proposal to take effect.
**Energy Politics at Play**
The debate over lifting sanctions on Russia’s energy assets highlights the complex web of interests involved in peace negotiations between the US and Russia. The White House Energy Dominance Council, led by Interior Secretary Doug Burgun, wants to boost US liquified natural gas (LNG) sales. This suggests that some officials are concerned about the implications for domestic energy production if sanctions are lifted.
Meanwhile, the EU has set a goal of weaning itself off Russian fossil fuels by 2027 in response to Moscow’s aggression in Ukraine. If this proposal were to move forward, it would likely require significant concessions from European nations as well.
**Rubio Stands Firm**
Marco Rubio has long been an advocate for maintaining sanctions on Russia until a peace deal is reached in Ukraine. While he acknowledges that some form of relief may be part of an eventual settlement, his stance suggests that any easing of these restrictions should not happen without the involvement and agreement of the EU.
The ongoing debate within the Trump administration reflects the challenging dynamics at play in negotiations over Ukraine. As President Donald Trump seeks to broker a swift peace deal, officials are grappling with competing interests and priorities. Whether this proposal gains traction or fizzles out remains to be seen – but one thing is clear: Russia’s Nord Stream 2 pipeline has become a bargaining chip in this complex game of international diplomacy.
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