EU is trying to convince the United States to change sanctions that threaten the stability of gas supplies

EU countries are concerned about US sanctions against Gazprombank and are trying to convince Washington to ease these measures. The problem is that sanctions measures can affect the stability of Russian gas supplies to Europe, which is becoming especially relevant in light of recent changes in Russian legislation.

New instructions from Russian President Vladimir Putin, providing for the transition to payments for gas in rubles, force the EU and the United States to explore possible ways to legitimize payments. One option is to use Gazprombank's subsidiary in Luxembourg, which could facilitate operations without violating sanctions measures.

Sanctions against more than 50 Russian banks, including Gazprombank, were imposed by the U.S. Treasury Department at the end of November. This decision raises concerns in the EU, as it complicates financial flows related to Russian energy supplies.

Gazprombank, in turn, stressed that it continues to be the only authorized bank for payments for Russian gas, and now foreign buyers are required to make payments in rubles to specially opened ruble accounts in Gazprombank.