Marta Gichko09:40, 27.10.26

Kyiv fears that such a scheme will once again make Ukraine dependent on Moscow.

US President Donald Trump’s representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have proposed resuming Russian oil and gas supplies to Europe via Ukraine as part of post-war economic cooperation. Ukraine could receive transit revenues, but such a scheme has raised concerns among the Ukrainian delegation over the risk of increasing dependence on Russia, according to a report in the French newspaper Le Monde.

During a meeting at the Shell Bay Golf Club in Hallandale Beach on October 9, Witkoff and Kushner discussed not only peace negotiations but also the prospects for large-scale economic cooperation after the war ends.

According to Le Monde, Witkoff presented the idea of ​​a regional prosperity plan that would encompass Ukraine, Europe, and Russia. One of its components could be the restoration of full operation of the pipelines that supplied Russian oil and gas to Europe through Ukrainian territory.

The American representative argued that such a scheme could bring Ukraine transit revenues and help European consumers reduce energy costs.

The idea of ​​the American representatives caused a sharp reaction from the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Kirill Budanov. According to Le Monde, he was outraged by the proposal, which, in his opinion, could actually make Kyiv dependent on Moscow.

“Kyrylo Budanov can barely contain his anger,” the publication described the official’s condition that day.

“Our model is not Belarus, but Poland!” Budanov replied.

After that, the meeting was interrupted. Budanov called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who, according to the publication, advised him not to show his emotions.

Negotiations later resumed, but the conversation continued around other economic agreements, in particular regarding Russian diesel fuel.

Witkoff and Kushner viewed economic agreements with Russia as a possible tool for ending the war. They emphasized the potential benefits for various parties, including the gains from energy cooperation.

At the same time, the Ukrainian delegation feared that the resumption of business relations between Washington and Moscow would come at the expense of Ukraine’s interests. Of particular concern was the prospect of Russian energy supplies returning to the European market before the end of the war.

(c)UNIAN 2026