Reuters reported, citing five people familiar with the matter, that the talks centered on a possible role for an American investor in the pipelines' operations. The discussions took place over recent weeks, the agency said.

The sources said Kushner views doing business as a key factor in securing peace. Such a deal would allow US investors to profit from energy supplies to Europe once the war ends, according to the agency.

A White House representative told Reuters there had been no recent discussions about Nord Stream. Any deals would have to be coordinated by Russia with the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the US Treasury, the representative said, adding that American taxpayers and companies should benefit from them.

Another US official called an agreement to resume pipeline deliveries of Russian gas to Europe unlikely in the medium term. Reuters noted that Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 are under US and EU sanctions that obstruct a resumption of supplies. US President Donald Trump could lift or ease the American sanctions, but that would be harder if Democrats win control of Congress in the November 3 elections.

A representative of Germany's Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy said Nord Stream and Russian gas are under European sanctions. According to her, Berlin has already found alternative sources of supply, and restarting the pipelines would require government approval, which is not interested in a relaunch.

Two Reuters sources also said Kushner and Dmitriev discussed the sale of Lukoil's foreign assets, including refineries and filling stations. The plan envisages the purchase of the assets by a consortium of the DFC and investors from Qatar and the UAE, along with the lifting of US sanctions. The White House said Kushner and Steve Witkoff worked with the DFC on terms of the deal providing for a large upfront payment and a profit share for the United States.

Early next year, Dmitriev is due to meet with the leadership of the Alternative for Germany party to discuss resuming Russian gas sales.