Politico: US Special Envoy Witkoff wants to lift energy sanctions against Russia
The US Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff is in favor of lifting energy sanctions against Russia. This is reported by Politico, citing two people with knowledge of the matter.
At the same time, US Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum wants to push Russia out of the energy market to create the basis for increasing US exports.
Earlier it was reported that American investors are considering buying out the share of the Russian company Rosneft in the German refinery.
In addition, Russia is negotiating with the United States to restart Nord Stream 2 with the participation of American investors. This could be part of a broader agreement between the countries in case the war ends.
These developments are of concern to the European Union, which has no plans to lift sanctions against Russia and insists on gradual abandonment of Russian oil and gas by 2027.
Trump and Putin "want to divide the European energy market and create [ed. – separate] spheres of influence," an anonymous EU official said.
At the same time, Germany has also intensified debates over the possible resumption of energy imports from Russia.
In the city of Schwedt, home to a refinery that used to run on Russian oil, local authorities warn of the risk of losing hundreds of jobs.
After the supply was stopped due to sanctions, the company operates at only 80% of its capacity, and the promised federal aid of 400 million euros has not yet been received.
In the event of a political decision, there are virtually no technical obstacles to resuming imports from Russia.
- Despite repeated statements, the US President has not yet imposed new restrictions on Russia, although he has extended sanctions under Obama and Biden .
- US Democrats have launched an investigation into Trump's suspension of sanctions against Russia.
