EU Rules Out Return to Russian Gas Even After War in Ukraine Ends

The European Union firmly opposes the resumption of Russian gas imports, irrespective of the outcome of the ongoing war in Ukraine, according to the European Commission. EU law dictates that this phase-out of Russian energy supplies is not contingent upon sanctions or any potential peace agreement. Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha have also dismissed the notion of re-establishing Europe's energy reliance on Moscow.

The EU emphasizes that the costly dependence on Russian energy has been learned, and this realization supports the ongoing phase-out of Russian gas, regardless of the geopolitical circumstances. A Commission spokesperson underscored that the phase-out is rooted in legislation and is not influenced by sanctions or other geopolitical events. The policy is set to be complete by the end of next year, with the last supplies projected to conclude by the year's end.

The REPowerEU regulation, adopted in January 2026, mandates a complete prohibition on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas from the start of 2027 and pipeline gas from autumn of the same year. Concerning the possibility of reviving the Nord Stream pipelines, the Commission remains unequivocal about its stance. However, the decision-making power over the pipeline's operation is not entirely within the European Commission's jurisdiction.

Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten echoed similar sentiments during a press conference in The Hague, asserting that European nations lack any intention to revert to energy dependence on Moscow. Jetten argued that Russia must be compelled to engage genuinely in peace negotiations, and that international partners should intensify, rather than ease, sanctions pressure on the regime.

"Putin must understand that he is losing this war, including on the battlefield. Russia is suffering severe losses, and its economy is weakening. International sanctions are a contributing factor," Jetten stated.

Jetten unequivocally ruled out the possibility of Russian energy supplies re-entering the European market. He reiterated that buying Russian energy is a misguided notion given the EU's ability to function without Russian fossil fuels in recent years. Jetten firmly stated that no European leader aspires to purchase Russian gas in the coming years. He also reiterated the EU's demand for an end to Russia's aggression against Ukraine, emphasizing that if Moscow refuses to cease the conflict, sanctions will persist.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha cautioned against repeating historical errors, responding to reports suggesting the U.S. might resume Russian energy supplies as part of a potential peace deal. Sybiha noted that the U.S. decision to halt Nord Stream 2 construction in 2019 was a significant step for European security; conversely, the 2021 decision to permit the pipeline's restart was a grave strategic mistake.

Sybiha cautioned that Russia's aggression cannot be mitigated through concessions or economic pacts. He strongly emphasized that the only viable approach to halt Russia's aggression is to deprive the regime of the resources necessary to sustain it.