Is the resumption of Russian gas via Ukraine possible? The EU's new move disappoints the Baltic countries

European Union (EU) officials are discussing the possibility of resuming Russian gas imports within the framework of an agreement to resolve the conflict in Ukraine.

The EU has not completely banned purchases of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) in its latest sanctions package. (Source: Oil Price)

Supplying Russian gas to the EU has been controversial within the bloc, especially after Brussels stepped up efforts to reduce its dependence on cheap Russian energy due to the conflict in Ukraine in February 2022.

German and Hungarian officials say resuming gas imports from Moscow could significantly reduce the 27-member bloc's energy costs and encourage Moscow to join the talks.

But the idea has angered officials in Brussels and Eastern European diplomats , who say they are concerned about boosting Russian export revenues and reversing efforts to reduce the bloc’s dependence on Russian energy.

Moscow expressed doubts about the feasibility of this plan.

"The EU is unlikely to be ready to restart purchases of Russian gas in the near future," said Igor Ananskikh, first deputy chairman of the Russian State Duma Energy Committee.

* Two EU diplomats told Politico that the 27-member bloc is not outright banning purchases of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) in its latest sanctions package.

The draft sanctions were presented by the European Commission on January 29, but did not include a broad LNG import ban as expected.

Instead, the 27-member bloc is limiting Russian LNG to receiving terminals that are not connected to the bloc's common gas system — a move that is more symbolic than substantive and does not affect the bulk of LNG imports.

In addition to LNG, the new sanctions package also expands measures targeting Russia's "dark fleet", with 74 ships included in the sanctions list.

The EU also imposed restrictions on Moscow's aluminium exports - a material on which the EU still depends for about 6%.

The failure to completely ban Russian LNG has disappointed countries with a tough stance towards Russia, such as Finland, Poland and the Baltic states.

"It's unfortunate. To some extent, we are disappointed. Lithuania was hoping for an upcoming EU 'roadmap' to end all energy ties with Russia," said Lithuanian Energy Minister Zygimantas Vaiciunas.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/noi-lai-khi-dot-nga-qua-ukraine-co-kha-thi-buoc-di-moi-cua-eu-khien-cac-nuoc-baltic-that-vong-302739.html