Matthias Varnig is a former East German spy and a longtime associate of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Most recently, he has been working to revive the Nord Stream 2 pipeline to Europe, the Financial Times reported.

That wouldn't be so unusual, except - in this endeavor, he has the backing of American investors.

A former U.S. military officer, Varnig runs the company that operates the Nord Stream 2 pipeline until 2023. The Financial Times, citing multiple sources familiar with the negotiations, reported that he is behind the discussions, which involve American businessmen and Trump administration figures.

The effort is part of back-channel talks aimed at bringing an end to the war in Ukraine while promoting deeper economic cooperation between the U.S. and Russia.

The move, once unthinkable, has now come to fruition thanks to US President Donald Trump's efforts to rapprochement with Moscow.

Several prominent figures in the Republican administration are familiar with the initiative, according to sources who see it as a strategic opportunity to restore relations with Moscow. | BGNES