05:09 PM EDT, 08/26/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Exxon Mobil ( XOM ) has engaged in private discussions with Russian state oil company Rosneft about restarting operations at the Sakhalin project, The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday, citing people familiar with the discussions.

Exxon senior executive Neil Chapman met with Rosneft Chief Executive Officer Igor Sechin in Qatar this year, while Exxon CEO Darren Woods recently discussed the matter with President Donald Trump, the Journal reported.

Russia has lifted restrictions on foreign ownership of Rosneft, and Exxon executives have asked the US government for support should the US oil giant return to Russia, the report said.

Exxon Mobil ( XOM ) did not immediately reply to a request for comment from MT Newswires.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)