New York Times: Russia's Kremlin Intends To Finance Alaska's Natural Gas Line In Secret Negotiations

COPPER RIVER COUNTRY JOURNAL

 Negotiations To Let Russia Into Alaska Are Apparently Part Of Multibillion Dollar Secret Deal Tied To Ukraine 

Russia is as close to Alaska as Canada is. Currently, the U.S. is on far friendlier 
terms with the Kremlin than with Ottawa. 

Alaska Wants Help On A Natural Gasline...

South Korea Hesitated To Fund Alaska

But Russia Has Stepped Right Up

According To New York Times Reports   

The New York Times, on October 23rd, 2026, reported that an American energy company is planning to buy Russian 'technology' to produce and export liquified natural gas in Alaska. 

This is a surprising new development. Only a few weeks ago, the President was claiming that South Korea was a partner and would be funding Alaska's LNG Pipeline – something that South Korea immediately said was not true.

The New York Times reports that Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the United States 'peace envoys,' had talked with Vladimir Putin about the plan last month. Apparently, this LNG deal is part of 'paving the way' to ending the war by Russia against the country of Ukraine, the Times reported.

Joel Riddle, head of Polar LNG, an American company involved in the secret deal, resigned in September, apparently after hearing of this plan. He told the New York Times, "It's not only unlawful, but it's not in the U.S. interest to have Russian technology controlling the commercialization of Arctic gas in the North Slope." Other members of the management also resigned. 

Googling "Polar LNG" 

On the web, Polar LNG's website characterizes the company as located on the North Slope in Alaska. It claims to have 'decades of global LNG experience.' 

An October 23rd, 2026 press release on the Polar LNG website announced a 'leadership change' at the organization, with someone named Tim Talkington taking over as Acting CEO. 

Talkington is described as a former investment banker at Goldman Sachs Bank Russia. Goldman Sachs left Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine, after losing 176.6 million rubles, according to the website 'LeaveRussia' with the KSE Institute. 

More national coverage headlines on Russia interest in Alaska's arctic. Google Search 

 

Polar LNG says it is an "American project" supporting "U.S. energy leadership and dominance". In addition to supplying gas to Asian markets, "the project is also evaluating opportunities to supply Southcentral Alaska," the site says. 

The website does not completely drop the idea of Asian funding for LNG lines. "Its anticipated need for ice-class LNG carriers could create opportunities for U.S. shipbuilding, potentially in cooperation with South Korean and Japanese partners," the site says. 

As of late October, 2026, the company site does not specifically mention Russia's investment plans, beyond Talkington's business ties, but promises "billions of dollars in private investment, skilled jobs and long-term revenue to Alaska." 

Polar LNG is keeping its website up-to-date. 

On October 24th, the site also said that the former head of Polar LNG, who quit – Joel Riddle, the man who believed the deal with Russia was unlawful and not in the interest of the United States – was a 'disgruntled former employee' and that they intended to sue him.