(Image by Nicholas A. Tonelli: Marcellus shale gas-drilling site along PA Route 87, Lycoming County) More than almost anything, Vladimir Putin needs an infusion of cash that would come from lifting sanctions on Russian gas. As such, an Russia deal that doesn’t include some relief for Russian gas would be met skeptically by the Kremlin.

Were this to happen, it would decimate the US LNG and fracking industry, as almost 100% of the US LNG industry'‘s growth has been to replace cheaper Russian pipeline.

The best way for the US fracking and LNG industry to protect its European markets is to oppose a Russia deal of any kind.