As stated in the article, proponents of the idea of resuming Russian gas purchases argue that it will lower high energy prices in Europe, encourage Moscow to come to the negotiating table, and provide both sides with grounds for implementing and maintaining a ceasefire.
However, the emergence of the idea to restart Russian gas flows to Europe, even in previous discussions, has already sparked negative reactions among Ukraine's closest allies in the EU, the newspaper reports.
Three officials familiar with the discussions told the FT that the idea is supported by some German and Hungarian officials, with backing from other EU capitals that see it as a way to reduce European energy costs.
The media notes that restoring Russian gas flows to Europe via pipelines would significantly increase Moscow's revenues. Before the full-scale war, these gas flows from Russia accounted for about 40% of the total supply to the EU, with Germany being the largest importer.
The new U.S. President Donald Trump is calling for an "immediate" end to the war, which has sparked discussions in Western capitals about the elements necessary for a lasting agreement with Moscow. Trump has also threatened the EU with tariffs if the Union does not purchase more liquefied natural gas from America—such supplies are more expensive than pipeline flows, the media notes.
Talks about resuming Russian gas supplies via pipelines have angered Brussels officials and diplomats from several Eastern European countries, many of whom have been working over the past three years to reduce their purchases of Russian energy resources. As journalists report, one official described this option as "madness."
The revival of debates about gas flows from Russia to the EU via pipelines has raised concerns among some American LNG exporters who are eager to sign long-term supply agreements with European companies. American suppliers fear that any resumption of Russian gas transit to Europe through Ukraine could make their products uncompetitive, the authors of the article believe.
According to the FT, one of the leading officials of the European Commission on energy policy, Ditte Juul Jørgensen, arrived in the U.S. this week to meet with LNG exporters to discuss potential long-term supplies.
The EU's goal is to free its energy system from Russian fossil fuels by 2027. EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen is set to present a corresponding plan in March. However, the difficult situation in the EU's heavy industry has increased the need for European countries for cheaper energy sources. The cost of gas in Europe is typically three to four times higher than in the U.S., the publication notes.