The EU may resume gas imports from Russia after the end of the war

Germany and Hungary are in favor, in Eastern Europe the idea is called “madness”

European officials have begun discussing whether Russian pipeline gas supplies to the European Union should be resumed as part of a possible agreement to end the war in Ukraine. The Financial Times writes about this, citing sources. Supporters of the resumption of purchases point out that this will reduce high energy prices in Europe, while opponents call the idea “madness.”

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Germany advocates restoring gas supplies from Russia

Three FT sources said the idea was supported by several officials in Germany and Hungary, as well as several EU countries. They argue that the resumption of purchases will reduce high energy prices in Europe, encourage Moscow to come to the negotiating table and give both sides an incentive to implement and maintain the ceasefire.

At the same time, the discussion of the resumption of gas supplies from Russia “infuriated” some Brussels officials and diplomats from a number of Eastern European countries, who over the past three years have been working to reduce dependence on Russian energy resources.

“This is crazy. How stupid do we have to be to even consider this as an option?” the FT quoted one of them as saying.

Resumption of supplies to the EU will help Russia recover its economy

Resuming pipeline gas exports to Europe would significantly increase Moscow's revenues. Before the war, Russian supplies accounted for about 40% of total gas supplies to the EU, and Germany was the largest buyer. In 2024, pipeline gas from Russia accounted for about 10% of total gas supplies to the EU, but this figure was halved in January 2025, after transit through Ukraine ceased. The only remaining pipeline bringing Russian gas to the EU is the Turkish Stream, which runs through Turkey.

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The office of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky did not respond to the FT's request for comment on discussions about resuming procurement.

Earlier, “Verstka” wrote that Donald Trump, who took office as US President, instructed his special representative for Ukraine, retired General Keith Kellogg , to achieve an end to Russia’s war against Ukraine within 100 days. American officials, however, doubt that he will succeed. Russian President Vladimir Putin , in turn, said that Russia is ready to negotiate with Zelensky, but does not consider him a legitimate president of Ukraine who could sign a peace agreement. Zelensky responded by saying that “Putin is afraid of negotiations” and is “doing everything to prolong the war.”

Photo: Crane at a gas distribution station in Poland. Mateusz Wlodarczyk via Reuters Connect

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