Mar 17 • 12:12 UTC 🇺🇦 Ukraine Ukrainska Pravda

EU not interested in energy deals with Russia even "behind closed doors", says chief diplomat

Kaja Kallas, the EU's chief diplomat, stated that there is no interest among EU member states for energy agreements with Russia, even privately.

Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has made it clear that the European Union has no interest in pursuing energy deals with Russia, even in private discussions. This stance reflects a broader sentiment among EU member states, emphasizing their desire to move away from reliance on Russian energy following the geopolitical tensions arising from the conflict in Ukraine. Kallas has noted that a discussion on energy with Russia requires clear objectives and cautioned against returning to a 'business as usual' approach with the country.

During her remarks, Kallas highlighted a critical aspect of the EU's diplomatic stance, stressing that a lack of appetite for negotiations behind closed doors suggests a unified front among EU leaders against engaging in energy deals that could indirectly support Russia amidst ongoing conflicts. She underscored the potential dangers of appeasement, warning that yielding to Russia's demands might lead to escalating military conflicts and further issues in global security.

Moreover, Kallas criticized the recent U.S. decision to lift certain sanctions on Russian oil, which has raised concerns about the implications for international energy markets and the message it sends regarding Western commitment to sanctions against Moscow. The lifting of these sanctions, particularly on oil already in transit, seems to contradict the ongoing efforts by European leaders to disconnect from Russian energy dependency, which remains a contentious topic within global political dynamics across Europe and the United States.

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