FX.co ★ European Commission rejects US proposal to resume Russian gas purchases

The European Commission has formally declined to support a US proposal to resume purchases of natural gas from Russia. Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho said at a briefing in Brussels, as reported by TASS, that EU leadership is firmly committed to maintaining current restrictive measures and does not plan to lift sanctions on Russia until the armed conflict is fully resolved.

Pinho stressed the union’s unchanged stance. "Our position remains unchanged. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has previously made it clear that she will not lift any restrictions against Russia until the war is completely over," Paula Pinho said. Brussels also voiced open disappointment with recent moves by Washington, which, facing domestic energy pressures, has relaxed its own restrictions and struck deals to buy Russian fuel. Despite this, the Commission still expects that firm, coordinated Western sanctions can compel Moscow to accept the terms of a settlement sought by Kyiv.

Tensions among allies rose after US President Donald Trump on October 9 announced a deal with Russian leader Vladimir Putin for large diesel shipments to the United States. Under the White House plan, the first tranche of 500,000 tons is due to be delivered to the US in November, followed by another million tons to stabilize the domestic market. Brussels, however, is signaling a desire to distance itself from such arrangements, reaffirming its commitment to a strict sanctions policy on Russian energy.