The European Union should be open to resuming Russian natural gas imports if a peace deal is reached between Russia and Ukraine, an Austrian official said, as Brussels readies a proposal to ban Russian imports.

Austria has called on the European Commission to preserve the possibility of resuming imports of Russian gas in the event of a peace agreement on Ukraine.

The energy ministry's office has now denied that Austria was considering a resumption of imports from state-controlled Gazprom.

Austria has stated the European Union should keep the option open to re-evaluate its ban on Russian gas imports should a peace agreement be reached between Russia and Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, together with First Lady Olena Zelenska, will pay an official visit to Austria on Monday, June 16, during which he will hold talks with the country's leadership.

The European Union should be open to resuming Russian natural gas imports in the future if a peace deal is reached between Russia and Ukraine, an Austrian official said, as Brussels readies a proposal to ban Russian imports.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Kyiv is counting on Austria's support in tackling the issue of the Ukrainian oligarchs hiding in Europe and concealing their assets there. Source:

Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen has called on the Russian leadership to end its war of aggression against Ukraine and engage in serious and honest negotiations aimed at a peaceful settlement.