Restoring gas transit through Ukraine is impossible for now – Kremlin

The Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, stated on November 2 that restoring Russian gas transit to Europe through Ukraine is presently impossible, although Moscow does not dismiss the possibility of revisiting the matter in the future, as reported by Russia’s state news agency, Tass. Peskov made these comments in response to a Wall Street Journal report indicating that the United States is advocating for the rapid resumption of Russian natural gas supplies to Europe as part of discussions on a possible energy truce.

Peskov argued that the current circumstances on the ground make such an initiative unfeasible, stating that it is premature to even discuss resuming transit. He emphasized that the prospects for resuming gas supplies would hinge on the interests of buyers and sellers, as well as the capabilities of the suppliers. Peskov also noted that the global gas market extends beyond Europe, pointing out that the primary centers of economic growth are now centered in countries of the Global South.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the idea of a comprehensive energy truce resurfaced following Ukraine’s resumption of strikes on Russian oil refineries, ahead of planned trilateral talks in mid-November. U.S. negotiators cited by the newspaper suggested that reopening Russia to Europe’s natural gas market would serve as a potent incentive for President Vladimir Putin to accept a deal.

In December 2025, the European Parliament enacted legislation aiming for a full phaseout of Russian gas by the fall of 2027. On June 17, an EU ban on short-term gas contracts with Russia came into effect. On October 28, the European Commission announced that the EU has no plans to resume imports of Russian gas even after the conclusion of Russia’s war against Ukraine.