The White House is debating whether to lift sanctions on Russia’s “Nord Stream 2” natural gas pipeline, which runs between Russia and Germany in the Baltic Sea, and potentially other Russian energy assets in Europe as part of negotiations on ending the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, several people familiar with the discussions have told Politico. U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff is reported to be leading the push towards lifting sanctions, directing his team to draw up a list of all of the energy sanctions that the United States has placed on Russia since their invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and before, some of which were imposed by President Trump. Witkoff claims that he has developed a “friendship” with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his three visits recently to Moscow, with him reportedly planning a fourth visit later this week, where he will likely meet once again with Putin.