But EU legal expert Tomasz Włostowski says the idea faces enormous legal and political obstacles, with Brussels determined not to repeat its costly dependence on Russian energy. He argues that Washington's discussions with Moscow appear to put private business interests ahead of European energy security, while leaving the Europeans themselves out of the negotiations. Even a political shift in Germany or France would not be enough to overturn EU restrictions, especially as Europe moves toward renewable energy and away from fossil fuels. Włostowski warns that the toughest scenario would be a Ukraine peace deal that makes Russian gas part of the bargain, potentially forcing European governments to choose between supporting Kyiv and protecting their own security.
