The U.S. has requested that Ukraine hand over operational control of a major gas pipeline running from Russia through Ukrainian territory to Europe. The demand is reportedly part of broader negotiations involving American access to Ukrainian energy and mineral resources.
The pipeline stretches from Sudzha in Russia to Uzhhorod in western Ukraine, serving for decades as a key transit route for Russian natural gas exports to the European Union. Since January 2025, the flow through this corridor has been halted following the expiration of a long-term contract between Ukraine and Gazprom.
According to sources close to the talks, the U.S. proposal would see the International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) take control of the pipeline infrastructure. Ukrainian economist Volodymyr Landa described the initiative as “colonial in tone,” adding that such conditions are unlikely to be accepted by Kyiv.
President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine is open to cooperation but made clear that any agreement must be built on equal terms. “We will not agree to frameworks that benefit only one side,” he said.
The negotiations are taking place amid ongoing military conflict and efforts by multiple international actors to reach a settlement. At the same time, Ukraine continues to receive record military assistance from the West, including a recent €21 billion package, despite continued missile strikes on civilian and energy infrastructure by Russian forces.
Discussions are expected to continue in the coming weeks.
