American oil companies could replace Moscow in Europe’s energy sector.
An oil terminal is seen at the port of Saint Petersburg, Russia on Sept. 26, 2025. AFP via Getty Images
Kyiv has presented Washington with a plan that could allow the United States to replace Russia in supplying oil and gas to Europe — an effort aligned with President Trump’s push to break the continent’s reliance on Moscow’s energy and weaken the Kremlin’s war machine.
Ukrainian Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk told The Post that Ukraine’s extensive pipeline and storage network could serve as a key channel for either U.S. energy imports or Ukrainian fuel produced through the existing U.S.-Ukraine mineral deal. “Ukraine’s gas and oil infrastructure has always been a vital part of European energy security,” Grynchuk said. “The U.S. and other international partners could use this infrastructure both for supply and storage.”
Ukraine holds the largest natural gas storage capacity in Europe, giving Washington and Kyiv a potential advantage in displacing Russian influence over the market.
Andriy Yermak, President Volodymyr Zelensky’s top advisor, said he raised the proposal with U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz during last week’s UN General Assembly. Yermak suggested that President Trump could play a pivotal role in ending Russia’s war by helping U.S. energy exporters take Moscow’s place. “I asked him to introduce me to your Secretary of Energy,” Yermak told The Post, referring to U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
The plan remains at an early stage, with American officials not yet commenting on Kyiv’s outreach. But Yermak emphasized, “We need to work together, because Ukraine is the responsible partner.”
President Trump has consistently warned that Europe’s continued reliance on Russian oil is funding the Kremlin’s war effort. He has urged European nations to divest fully from Moscow, describing energy independence from Russia as essential to peace and stability.
Ukrainian officials argue that a U.S.-Ukraine energy partnership would not only strengthen Europe’s security but also boost American industry. Under the minerals agreement, Ukrainian oil pumped by American companies would be split 50/50 in profit and distributed through Ukraine’s pipelines.
Naftogaz, Ukraine’s state-owned energy company, has already begun expanding ties with U.S. suppliers. Its CEO, Sergii Koretskyi, said American LNG now accounts for 8% of Ukraine’s supply, up from zero before President Trump took office. “We want that share to grow,” Koretskyi said, adding that Ukraine is ready to host U.S. companies using its infrastructure and underground storage.
European Holdouts
Despite Trump’s pressure, some European nations continue purchasing Russian oil, including Slovakia, Hungary, Turkey, and Serbia. Zelensky has been lobbying Slovakia directly, while President Trump has publicly urged Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to halt Russian imports.
Hungary remains the most resistant, but Yermak believes Trump’s influence could change Budapest’s stance. Serbia, meanwhile, has expressed interest in diversifying through U.S. energy partnerships but still relies heavily on NIS, its Russian-majority-owned oil and gas company.
Sanctions targeting NIS — initially delayed by the U.S. Treasury — are set to take effect October 8. Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Đurić acknowledged Belgrade’s reliance on Russian fuel but welcomed continued talks with Washington. “Our foremost objective is to ensure a secure and reliable energy supply for our citizens and economy,” Đurić said.
The outcome may hinge on whether President Trump can persuade reluctant European partners to finally abandon Russian oil and embrace an American alternative — a move Kyiv says would bring both peace and profit.
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