Updated

The United States has proposed a plan to Vladimir Putin that would let Russia sell natural gas to Europe through an American intermediary, bypassing European sanctions, The Wall Street Journal reported. The idea is part of negotiations on an energy ceasefire and reportedly involves escrow accounts and possibly reopening Nord Stream, and European officials have firmly rejected it. The Kremlin has downplayed the prospect of resuming gas shipments to Europe via Ukraine, with Dmitry Peskov saying it is currently impossible. The Moscow Times reported that US officials suggested the idea in September as an incentive for Russia to halt strikes on Ukraine's energy grid.