Brussels, 19 October. The European Commission has rejected a US proposal to resume gas purchases from Russia as part of discussions on a ceasefire in Ukraine, Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho told a briefing in Brussels (APA, Infotek).
The New York Times reported on Washington's proposal: according to the newspaper, US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner discussed the idea with Ukrainian and European officials as a step towards peace in Ukraine (TASS).
"Our position remains unchanged," Pinho said, recalling that Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will not lift any restrictions against Russia until the war is completely over. She said the EU summit on 15–16 October expressed disappointment at the US decision to ease restrictions on Russia and start buying Russian diesel, and that the Commission still believes coordinated EU and US sanctions are needed (APA, Infotek).
Background: According to Pinho, coordinated sanctions could persuade Russia to halt military operations on Kyiv's terms; the Commission does not intend to lift any sanctions until the conflict is completely over (APA).
List of sources used: APA, Infotek, TASS
Artificial intelligence was used in preparing this material.
