The European Union has firmly opposed a proposal to resume Russian natural gas imports through Ukraine, emphasizing its strategy to eliminate dependence on Russian fossil fuels by 2027. This proposal, reportedly backed by the United States, suggests restoring Russian gas transit via Ukraine with an American intermediary’s involvement. The plan aims to generate transit revenue for Ukraine, while simultaneously allowing Russia to re-enter the European gas market. However, EU officials argue that the ongoing conflict and Russian attacks on Ukraine make such energy cooperation untenable.
The proposal, discussed by U.S. representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, is part of broader negotiations concerning Ukraine’s security and economic recovery post-conflict. One of the suggested arrangements would involve placing Russian gas revenues in an escrow account in a third country to ensure the funds do not directly bolster Moscow’s military efforts. Despite these discussions, no agreement has been reached.
Legal complications also present significant hurdles to the proposal, as the EU has committed to phasing out Russian gas. The EU intends to terminate existing long-term Russian liquefied natural gas contracts by January 2027 and ban long-term pipeline gas supplies by September 2027, with only limited exceptions.
Ukraine ceased Russian gas transit through its territory on January 1, 2025, after its previous transit agreement expired. Kyiv chose not to renew the arrangement due to concerns over the revenue it provided to Russia amid the ongoing war. Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten has similarly opposed the idea of resuming Russian gas purchases, advocating instead for stronger sanctions and sustained economic pressure on Russia.
In parallel, discussions between the U.S. and Russia have reportedly explored broader energy cooperation, including the potential return of American oil companies to Russia and the revival of certain export routes. However, these proposals face considerable political, regulatory, and infrastructure challenges, particularly within Europe.
The EU’s resistance underscores the ongoing divide between Washington’s reported efforts to engage in economic arrangements with Moscow and Europe’s commitment to reducing its energy dependency on Russia while exerting pressure due to the conflict in Ukraine.