European officials have rejected a resumption of large-scale Russian natural gas imports amid reports that US negotiators are discussing energy deals with Moscow as part of efforts to end the war in Ukraine. Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten called buying Russian energy a “very stupid idea” after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in The Hague on Wednesday. The Netherlands also pledged €500 million in military aid and €1.2 billion in civilian support for Ukraine over the next three years. European Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho said the bloc had learned the high cost of dependence on Russian fossil fuels. EU legislation requires Russian gas imports to be phased out by 2027, regardless of whether a peace agreement is reached. Russian gas accounted for around 13% of EU gas imports in 2025, down from 45% in 2021. Polish Finance and Economy Minister Andrzej Domański also ruled out a return to using Russian gas and other raw materials, saying there could be no return to “business as usual” with Russia.
