LIVE War in Ukraine: The EU will open new negotiations towards Ukraine’s accession…
Quick Look
The European Union will officially open new negotiation chapters with Ukraine and Moldova, key steps towards their membership, while Russia claims to have exported $320 billion worth of hydrocarbons to Europe since 2022, despite sanctions, with $21.3 billion in 2026 alone, according to its Deputy Prime Minister of Energy.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The European Union is negotiating the accession of Ukraine and Moldova, a process linked to internal reforms and the Copenhagen criteria, while Russia has faced Western sanctions since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, but continues to export hydrocarbons to Europe through national waivers and exemptions.
The European Union will formally open new negotiation chapters with Ukraine, an essential step before this country is able to join the EU, the President of the European Council António Costa welcomed on Monday.
The 27 also agreed to open new chapters with Moldova, whose EU accession negotiations are linked to those of Ukraine. This opening will take place formally this Tuesday in Luxembourg, during a meeting of the 27.
Russia said on Monday that it had sold $320 billion worth of hydrocarbons to European countries since 2022, despite sanctions adopted against it due to the war in Ukraine.
According to Russian Deputy Prime Minister for Energy, Alexander Novak, European countries purchased $21.3 billion worth of Russian hydrocarbons in the first nine months of 2026 alone. “In other words, despite the restrictions linked to sanctions, we continue to supply energy resources in certain areas for which exemptions have been granted,” he added.
The European Union has imposed multiple sanctions on Russia. But many countries, including France, continue to source hydrocarbons from it, particularly liquefied natural gas (LNG). Several states, including Slovakia and Hungary, also benefit from an exemption to purchase Russian oil transported by pipeline.
Hello everyone. Like every day, the 20 Minutes editorial team is working to give you all the information on the conflict between kyiv and Moscow.
Despite Donald Trump's declarations, on the ground the weapons continue to speak. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thus judged on Monday “increasingly obvious” that Russia has rejected the energy truce unilaterally announced by the tenant of the White House, in view of the Russian attacks in recent hours.
The European Union will formally open new negotiation chapters with Ukraine, an essential step before this country is able to join the EU, the President of the European Council António Costa welcomed on Monday.
The 27 also agreed to open new chapters with Moldova, whose EU accession negotiations are linked to those of Ukraine. This opening will take place formally this Tuesday in Luxembourg, during a meeting of the 27.
Russia said on Monday that it had sold $320 billion worth of hydrocarbons to European countries since 2022, despite sanctions adopted against it due to the war in Ukraine.
According to Russian Deputy Prime Minister for Energy, Alexander Novak, European countries purchased $21.3 billion worth of Russian hydrocarbons in the first nine months of 2026 alone. “In other words, despite the restrictions linked to sanctions, we continue to supply energy resources in certain areas for which exemptions have been granted,” he added.
The European Union has imposed multiple sanctions on Russia. But many countries, including France, continue to source hydrocarbons from it, particularly liquefied natural gas (LNG). Several states, including Slovakia and Hungary, also benefit from an exemption to purchase Russian oil transported by pipeline.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The EU will continue opening new negotiating chapters with Ukraine and Moldova over the coming months, subject to progress on the rule of law and economic reforms.
Very likely · Within months
Some EU member states will continue to benefit from exemptions to import Russian hydrocarbons beyond 2026, notably for oil via pipeline.
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- What are the specific criteria that Ukraine and Moldova must meet to open these new negotiating chapters?
- What are the exact exemptions that allow certain European countries to continue to import Russian hydrocarbons despite EU sanctions?
- How long will these national exemptions for the importation of Russian oil by pipeline remain in force?
