Trump's plan with Russia could be a 'sledgehammer blow' that makes Europe 'worried'
Eastern European diplomats are concerned that US President Donald Trump could offer sweeping concessions and a “massive economic deal” to Moscow to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, according to a report from Politico.
In an analysis published on July 31, Politico cited Eastern European officials, US experts and industry sources as saying that a Trump-led peace initiative could include lifting sanctions on Russian energy, a move described as “a sledgehammer blow that could disrupt” Western efforts to isolate Moscow.
“Of course, we are concerned about the discussions about returning to Russian energy, and the lack of clarity in the US position,” said an Eastern European official.
Since the Ukraine conflict escalated in 2022, the West has imposed sweeping sanctions on Russia, focusing especially on the energy sector, aimed at crippling the economy and isolating the country politically. The European Union (EU), which is heavily dependent on Russian supplies, has tried to sever ties.
However, the reality is that Russia still accounts for 17.5% of the EU's liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports, second only to the US with a 45.3% market share. In May, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed phasing out all remaining Russian gas by the end of 2027, but the plan has been strongly criticized by some member states.
The EU has invested heavily in LNG infrastructure, connecting ports to Central and Eastern Europe, and many countries like Lithuania are willing to pay more for American gas than the cheaper Russian option. However, Politico notes that the $750 billion energy deal Brussels just signed with Washington will require the bloc to cut back on purchases from other suppliers, including cheaper sources, and triple its imports from the United States.
Still, the economic appeal of Russian gas remains strong. In Germany, some politicians have signaled a willingness to resume imports to help prop up the country’s struggling industry. Sources say Russian energy remains more affordable than U.S. supplies, after taking into account transportation and processing costs.
For its part, Russia insists it is a reliable energy supplier and has denounced Western sanctions as illegal under international law. Moscow has redirected most of its exports to “friendly” markets, mainly in Asia.