EU officials are debating whether to restart Russian pipeline gas imports as a potential incentive for Moscow to negotiate peace with Ukraine, the Financial Times reported Thursday, citing anonymous sources familiar with the discussions.

Supporters of purchasing Russian gas argue that it would lower Europe’s high energy prices, encourage Russia to negotiate, and “give both sides a reason to implement and maintain a ceasefire.” However,

Some EU officials are considering resuming Russian pipeline gas imports as part of a potential peace agreement with Ukraine, sparking controversy and opposition within the bloc.

The proposal's advocates, including Hungarian and German officials, argue that the move could give both Russia and Europe incentives to maintain a ceasefire while stabilizing the continent's energy market,

Russia would like to see a resumption in the transit of gas via Ukraine, the Kremlin said on Tuesday, after the European Commission issued a statement saying it planned to continue talks with Kyiv on natural gas supplies to Europe.

Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar stated on Monday that Bratislava is pleased with the European Commission's announcement regarding talks with Kyiv about gas transfer. He expressed hope for the resumption of discussions about transporting Azerbaijani resources through Ukraine.