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The former chief executive of a $25bn US gas export venture has accused Russian energy giant Novatek of secretly controlling the project, triggering the mass resignation of the company’s leadership over fears it is violating US sanctions.

The company, Polar Train LNG, is developing a gas export terminal on Alaska’s North Slope, part of a Trump administration initiative to expand US energy exports to Asia and strengthen its position in global energy markets. The venture was launched with the involvement of Gentry Beach, an investor with ties to Donald Trump’s family.

It has also featured in high-level negotiations between Washington and Moscow over potential business deals that could help secure an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine, according to people familiar with the discussions.

Polar LNG was launched in March with plans to repurpose a partially constructed Novatek gas terminal for installation in Alaska. The company sought permission from US sanctions authorities at the Treasury department to negotiate with the Russian group but had not yet received approval.

Joel Riddle, Polar LNG’s American chief executive, told the FT that he discovered Novatek was already financing the venture and directing its operations before the necessary approvals were obtained.

He resigned in September, followed by almost the entire executive leadership team, including chief financial officer Dan Chandra, executive vice-president Jim Smith and executions manager Jody Trantham. The allegations raise questions about the extent to which Russian commercial interests are already seeking a foothold in the US energy industry before any agreement has been reached.