Source: "European Truth" citing a piece from Financial Times
Details: According to the publication, proponents of the idea to purchase Russian gas claim that it will lower high energy prices in Europe, encourage Moscow to come to the negotiating table, and provide both sides with a reason to establish and maintain a ceasefire.
Three officials have stated that this idea has received approval from certain officials in Germany and Hungary, with the backing of other capitals that view it as a way to reduce energy costs in Europe.
However, even the preliminary discussion of the idea of resuming Russian gas supplies to Europe has already provoked a sharp reaction from Ukraine's closest allies in the EU.
Officials and diplomats from Eastern European countries, many of whom have spent the last three years working to reduce the volumes of Russian energy supplies, were outraged by this notion.
"This is madness. How foolish can we be to even consider this as a possible option?" one official remarked.
Additionally, the revival of discussions regarding the resumption of Russian gas supplies has raised concerns among some American LNG exporters who are eager to secure long-term supply agreements with European companies.
According to two officials, they fear that any restoration of Ukrainian transit could render their products uncompetitive.
Another official added that "in the end, everyone wants to lower energy prices."
Reminder:
- Previously, media reported details that the 16th sanctions package will target Russian aluminum, agricultural products, the "shadow fleet" of tankers, liquefied gas, and the banking sector.
- At the same time, it has recently been revealed that the European Union will not impose a complete ban on the purchase of Russian liquefied natural gas in the new sanctions package.