Spokesmen for Gazprom Neft and Gazprom didn't respond to requests for comment. Discussions of a merger underscore the administration's desire to use the energy sector as a cash cow for Russia's war in Ukraine, sources told The Wall Street Journal. An energy giant of that magnitude would be better able to deal with Western sanctions, the sources said. Oil and gas are the base of Russia's economy, responsible for almost a third of federal revenue. The leaders of the three companies are immensely powerful in Russia, and a reorganization would carry the risk of vesting too much power in the hands of one person. However, supporters of the plan believe the combined company could make substantially more money, The Wall Street Journal reported.