An American financier with ties to the Trump family signed a deal last autumn with Russia’s Novatek to develop natural gas resources in Alaska, according to a report published Friday by The New York Times.
Gentry Beach, head of the investment firm America First Global, confirmed the agreement, which centers on potential liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects in Alaska. Novatek, Russia’s largest private natural gas producer, stated We see exploring the possible application of its LNG technologies to remote areas of Alaska, as reported by UNN.
The agreement emerged following a summit in Alaska where energy projects were discussed, according to the Times. Sources cited by the newspaper suggested that such initiatives were considered as a potential avenue for encouraging the Kremlin to negotiate an finish to the war in Ukraine and easing Western sanctions.
The deal is occurring despite ongoing Western sanctions against Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine. The Moscow Times reported that the agreement was signed after the Alaska summit. Beach acknowledged the project faces both technical and political hurdles, but declined to disclose the financial details of the arrangement.
The involvement of an individual connected to the Trump family raises questions about the Biden administration’s energy policy and its approach to Russia, particularly given the current geopolitical climate. The White House has not yet commented on the agreement.
Novatek confirmed it is in negotiations with the American side, but did not elaborate on the specifics of the potential collaboration beyond the discussion of LNG technologies. The company has not responded to requests for further comment.
