*U.S. EXPLORES A NEW DEAL WITH RUSSIA TO RETURN ITS GAS TO EUROPE VIA UKRAINE -- SOURCES
*WHITE HOUSE PROPOSED THAT RUSSIA PLACE MONEY FROM EUROPEAN GAS SALES INTO ESCROW TO AVOID USE FOR WAR -- SOURCES
*U.S. NEGOTIATORS BELIEVE GAS SALES GIVE PUTIN AN INCENTIVE TO AGREE TO ENERGY CEASEFIRE WITH UKRAINE: WSJ