Belgium views the idea of resuming energy cooperation with Russia as unrealistic.

Any efforts to return to this trade relationship are unfounded, said Belgian Energy Minister Mathieu Bihet, commenting on the increasing calls in Europe to restart energy imports from Russia amid diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

“It’s odd to think we can simply revert to our usual relations with Russia, acting as if nothing has happened,” he remarked, describing such discussions as disconnected from reality.

Bihet affirmed that Belgium is dedicated to reducing its dependence on Russian energy sources. In particular, Brussels is gradually decreasing imports of Russian LNG, although it currently does not support a complete ban. Belgium remains one of the largest importers of Russian LNG in the EU, with 1.1 million tons imported since January.

“We are financing a war. We must turn off the taps,” Bihet emphasized.

He noted that resuming Russian gas pipeline operations requires a preliminary resolution of several key issues, including achieving peace, respecting Ukraine’s territorial integrity, and ensuring stability.