European Union (EU) officials are discussing the possibility of resuming Russian gas imports within the framework of an agreement to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, the Financial Times reported.
Russian gas supplies to the EU have been controversial within the bloc, especially after Brussels stepped up efforts to reduce its dependence on cheap Russian energy as the conflict in Ukraine erupted in 2022.
German and Hungarian officials say resuming Russian gas imports could significantly reduce the EU’s energy costs and encourage Russia to join the talks, the Financial Times reported, citing multiple sources familiar with the matter. Officials believe the move would encourage the conflicting parties to maintain the ceasefire.
But the idea has angered officials in Brussels and Eastern European diplomats, raising concerns about boosting Russian export revenues and reversing efforts to reduce the bloc's dependence on Russian energy.
Moscow has also expressed doubts about the feasibility of the plan. First Deputy Chairman of the Russian State Duma Energy Committee Igor Ananskikh told Lenta.ru on January 30 that the EU is unlikely to be ready to restart gas purchases from Russia in the near future.
The EU faces a sharp decline in gas imports from Russia, which used to account for 40% of the bloc's total supply, due to sanctions related to Ukraine and the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipeline in 2022. On January 1, 2025, Ukraine stopped transiting Russian gas through its territory after the transit agreement with Russia expired.
Instead, the EU has increased its imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from countries like the US and Norway, pushing up energy prices. US President Donald Trump has also urged Brussels to buy more US LNG.
High energy prices have had a significant impact on the EU economy. According to official figures, the German economy contracted for the second consecutive year in 2024.
Slovakia - one of the countries affected by the halt in gas transit through Ukraine - has accused Kiev of endangering its energy security. Prime Minister Robert Fico has vowed to veto any EU aid to Ukraine if Russian gas transit is not resumed.
