Any talk of a return to Russian oil and gas is premature and threatens Europe’s security interests, warn EU countries bordering Russia, amid growing speculation that a US-brokered peace deal could normalize economic ties with Moscow.
The remarks come amid speculation concerning when and whether Europe will be able to resume energy ties with Russia. In recent days, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte suggested that economic relations with Russia could resume after the fighting in Ukraine eventually ends.
This has drawn strong opposition from Kyiv’s most loyal EU allies, who are keen to prevent any normalization of relations that could include a return to buying Russian energy. Lithuania, Finland, and Estonia have been outspoken against resuming purchases of Russian energy even after the war. The European Commission and the German government also believe that a return to normal relations with Moscow is not currently possible.