An American financier with close connections to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s family has reportedly signed an agreement with Russian energy giant Novatek to explore natural gas development in Alaska, according to The New York Times. The deal, concluded last autumn, comes despite longstanding Western sanctions on Russia over its war in Ukraine and the broader geopolitical tensions that have accompanied them.
The financier, Gentry Beach, is chairman and CEO of investment firm America First Global, which holds interests in energy, mining and infrastructure. Beach has personal ties to the Trump family and helped raise funds for Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. The New York Times said Beach declined to disclose financial terms and described the project as being in its early stages.
Novatek acknowledged it is in discussions about using its technology to liquefy natural gas in remote northern Alaska, but did not confirm a direct partnership with Beach when contacted. Both parties declined further comment.
The reported agreement follows an August 2025 summit in Alaska between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, where energy cooperation and peace negotiations over the Ukraine war were discussed. According to sources familiar with the talks, energy business proposals were floated as part of efforts to encourage Kremlin cooperation on a ceasefire and potential sanctions relief.
Critics of the reported deal say it raises questions about private U.S. investment interests intersecting with geopolitical strategy, especially as Russia remains under sanctions tied to its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Proponents argue that new energy partnerships could open up economic opportunities even amid strained political relations, but analysts warn of legal, financial and reputational risks in doing business with heavily sanctioned Russian entities.
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