The European Union maintains that no sanctions against Russia can be lifted until Moscow ends its war of aggression.
This was stated by European Commission Chief Spokesperson Paula Pinho during today's briefing in Brussels.
Asked whether the United States had discussed with the EU a proposal to purchase Russian gas as part of a possible settlement of Russia's war against Ukraine, and whether the European Commission categorically ruled out any return to Russian gas imports, Pinho said:
"It is worth recalling the conclusions of the European Council, which state that the European Council regrets the previous decision by the United States to temporarily lift sanctions on Russian diesel fuel. For our part, we remain firm in our position. Let me remind you once again that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made it clear last week, ahead of the European Council meeting, that we will not lift any sanctions until Russia ends the war. The position is therefore absolutely clear."
The spokesperson also reaffirmed the EU's position that coordinated sanctions measures on both sides of the Atlantic could play a decisive role in bringing the war to an end.
