Media: EU considers resumption of Russian gas imports amid Ukraine peace talks

European officials are currently discussing whether to resume Russian gas exports to the EU as part of a potential peace settlement to end the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Advocates for the resumption argue that it could lower energy prices in Europe, encourage Moscow to engage in negotiations, and provide both sides with an incentive to maintain a ceasefire, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

However, the suggestion of restarting Russian gas flows has sparked strong opposition, particularly from Ukraine’s closest EU allies. Some German and Hungarian officials have endorsed the idea, along with support from other European capitals, as a means to address rising energy costs.

“There is pressure from some big member states on energy prices and this is one way to bring those down, of course,” said one official involved in the talks.

Before the war, Russian pipeline gas accounted for approximately 40 per cent of the EU's total supply, with Germany being the largest importer. Resuming these exports would significantly increase Russia’s revenue.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has urged an end to the war and suggested a lasting agreement with Moscow. He has also warned the EU of potential tariffs unless it buys more liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the US, which is more expensive than piped gas.

The prospect of reviving Russian gas sales has drawn criticism from Brussels and diplomats in Eastern Europe, who have worked for years to reduce the EU’s reliance on Russian energy. “It’s madness,” said one official. “How stupid could we be to even think about that as an option?”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently stated, “Ending the hot phase of the war is critical… Diplomatic solutions are preferable — fewer casualties, fewer losses.” His office has not commented on the idea of resuming Russian gas imports.

The debate has also unsettled US LNG exporters, who fear that the revival of Russian gas sales could make their products less competitive. One European Commission official, Ditte Juul Jørgensen, is currently in the US meeting with LNG exporters to discuss long-term supply deals.

The EU’s goal remains to phase out all Russian fossil fuels by 2027, with plans to address this in March. However, the EU’s heavy industries are facing energy cost challenges, as gas prices in Europe are typically three to four times higher than in the US.

By Vafa Guliyeva