U.S. Investor Linked to Trump Signed Gas Deal With Russia’s Novatek – NYT - The Moscow Times
Moscow Times
February 20, 2026
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An American investor with connections to the Trump family has signed a liquefied natural gas deal with Russia’s largest private gas producer, Novatek, following a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. The deal was facilitated by Dallas-based hedge fund executive Gentry Beach, who claimed the project was discussed at the highest levels of both governments. Beach, a college friend of Trump Jr. and a key figure in Trump’s 2017 inauguration committee, emphasized that his efforts were separate from official diplomatic talks and played no role in the agreement.
The deal comes after Putin mentioned discussions with U.S. partners regarding potential liquefied natural gas projects in Alaska and the Arctic during meetings in Anchorage. Russian officials have since highlighted the possibility of renewed economic ties with the U.S., though progress remains contingent on a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. Novatek confirmed negotiations over using its liquefaction technology for a project in Alaska’s North Slope, but did not specify Beach as their counterpart. The company noted that any deal would require approval from both Russian and U.S. authorities.
Beach declined to disclose financial details but expressed optimism about announcing project leadership soon. He also emphasized that his relationship with Trump Jr. was unrelated to the deal and that he navigated U.S. sanctions by structuring the agreement legally. Novatek, which faces partial U.S. sanctions, did not specify whether a deal would proceed, but Beach remains confident in its feasibility.
This development is significant given ongoing peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine and the cautious approach of Western companies toward doing business with Russia due to political risks. If successful, the deal could pave the way for broader economic cooperation between the U.S. and Russia, despite lingering tensions. The agreement highlights the potential for private sector initiatives to bridge gaps in international relations, even in challenging geopolitical landscapes.
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Originally published on Moscow Times on 2/20/2026