EU Border States Unite to Block Russian Energy Comeback

Ukraine Warns Against Lifting Sanctions on Russian Energy

Debates over sanctions on Russia come just days after Ukraine’s top sanctions official, Vladyslav Vlasiuk, told POLITICO that Western nations resuming business with Moscow was “a matter of time”—but only if peace is established and assured.

He emphasized that existing restrictions on Russia’s energy exports should be used as leverage to secure concrete measures on security and justice, such as compensation for Ukraine.

However, Vlasiuk cautioned Europe against reintroducing reliance on Russian resources.

“Russia has significant potential, especially in energy,” he said, suggesting that third countries might attempt to exploit these resources again. “Hopefully, not to the same extent—and ideally, never again finding themselves entirely dependent on Russian energy.”

Speaking later on Monday, Vlasiuk reiterated that sanctions should remain in place as long as Russia remains a major threat to Europe. “Another perspective is that energy sanctions extend Europe’s time to reduce dependency on Russia and aid in long-term deterrence, strengthening Europe’s capacity to safeguard itself and its values,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to speak with Donald Trump over the phone on Tuesday but did not disclose what would be discussed.

The European Union has indefinitely postponed a much-anticipated strategy to halt its remaining imports of Russian oil, gas, and nuclear technology, opting to closely monitor peace negotiations in Ukraine. However, EU official Jørgensen reassured on Monday that the plan would be presented “quite soon.”

“We are genuinely worried about any possible lifting of energy sanctions on Russia,” said Svitlana Romanko, director of the Ukrainian advocacy group Razom We Stand. “Removing those sanctions now would be like handing a pyromaniac a box of matches and expecting them not to start a fire.”