European Commission Rejects U.S. Plan to Resume Russian Gas Imports

The European Commission rejected a proposal from the United States administration to resume large-volume gas purchases from Russia as part of a peace settlement for the conflict in Ukraine. U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner suggested that Ukraine consider resuming the operation of pipelines that previously carried Russian natural gas to Europe.

European Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho stated that the EU will not lift any sanctions against Russia until the war is completely over. Pinho emphasized the need for coordinated sanctions between the EU and the U.S. to persuade Russia to halt military operations on Kyiv's terms.

Commission officials expressed disappointment over a previous U.S. decision to ease restrictions on Russian diesel fuel. The Commission maintained that coordinated action on both sides of the Atlantic regarding sanctions is necessary to end the war.