Discussing Energy Agreements Between the USA and Russia in September

• The USA and Russia are discussing energy agreements to improve relations.
• Possible return of Exxon Mobil to the Sakhalin-1 project.
• Negotiations are taking place against the backdrop of new sanctions against Russia.

This is reported by RBC Ukraine, Asharq Al-Awsat.

In September, American and Russian officials discussed several energy agreements during negotiations regarding peace in Ukraine. These agreements are being considered as a stimulus for the Kremlin to achieve peace in Ukraine and for the United States to ease sanctions against Russia.

After the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Moscow lost access to international investments in the energy sector and the possibility of concluding large agreements. The potential return of Exxon Mobil to the Sakhalin-1 project was discussed, as well as the supply of American equipment for Russian projects with LNG, such as Arctic LNG 2, which fall under Western sanctions.

In addition, there were discussions about the possibility of the USA purchasing nuclear fuel from Russia. The negotiations took place during the visit of US Special Envoy Stephen Vitkoff to Moscow, where he met with President Vladimir Putin and his representative Kirill Dmitriev. These issues were also discussed in the White House with President Donald Trump.

At the summit in Alliance on September 15, these agreements were also raised. One of the officials noted that the White House plans to announce a significant investment agreement after the summit. Trump and his team continue to hold negotiations with Russian and Ukrainian officials to stop the war.

Currently, Trump is pushing new sanctions against Russia, which could hinder negotiations from yielding results. In addition, he is ready to introduce strict tariffs on India, one of the largest buyers of Russian oil. Recent negotiations are focused on bilateral agreements between the USA and Russia, which indicate a departure from the format in which the EU participates.

On the same day that the summit took place in Alliance, Putin signed a decree allowing foreign investors, including Exxon Mobil, to restore their stakes in the Sakhalin-1 project under the condition of lifting Western sanctions.

Currently, the Arctic LNG 2 project faces several rounds of US sanctions, including a ban on specialized vessels. Nevertheless, the plant has resumed gas processing in April, albeit with limited capabilities. Washington is considering the possibility of persuading Moscow to purchase American technology instead of Chinese ones to strengthen ties between Russia and China.

Tags: USA/Russia/Politics/Energy