Trump Weighing Sanctions Relief for Nord Stream 2, Despite Official Denials

The pipeline, which was previously halted due to sanctions, would enable Russia to resume gas exports to Europe, potentially providing a major financial boost to Moscow.

Citing five sources familiar with internal deliberations, Politico reports that the initiative is being championed by US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff, although both the State and Interior Departments are reportedly opposed.

The move would mark a significant geopolitical shift, possibly strengthening Russia's economic position while testing Europe’s ongoing efforts to reduce reliance on Russian energy.

Despite the report, both Witkoff and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a joint denial, categorically rejecting the claims.

"This is false," their statement read. "Neither of us have had any conversations about lifting sanctions on Russia as part of a peace deal with Ukraine. This is just totally fictitious and irresponsible reporting from Politico, a fifth-rate publication. If they have an ounce of journalistic integrity, they will fully retract this piece of fiction."

Still, one anonymous source warned that removing sanctions could harm US energy producers by allowing Russia to reassert dominance over the European energy market, calling the potential outcome “a bloodbath” for American oil and gas interests.

While European Union nations remain cautious about energy ties with Moscow, any rollback of sanctions could signal a broader recalibration of US foreign policy under Trump, particularly as his administration faces criticism over its approach to Russia and the ongoing war in Ukraine.