Russian energy giant secretly funded an Alaska gas venture that was discussed in Trump's Ukraine peace talks, ex-boss claims

Joel Riddle quit as chief executive of Polar LNG in September. He says he was misled into believing its start-up cash came from a UAE firm, when it came from Novatek, a Russian company under partial US sanctions. Texts show Novatek bosses discussed sending up to $15m to Polar LNG's Abu Dhabi parent, Tech Wave. Vladimir Putin raised the project last month with Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

Riddle on the hidden money: 'It's not only unlawful, but it's not in the US interest.'

Polar LNG calls him 'disgruntled', yet documents show he resigned before he was sacked.

Trump temporarily waived Russia sanctions only last week to keep peace talks alive.