The European Commission is preparing to propose a sweeping ban on new Russian gas contracts, employing EU trade law to bypass expected vetoes from Hungary and Slovakia. The move marks a significant step in Brussels's effort to sever the bloc's remaining energy ties with Moscow, Caliber.Az reports, citing a draft summary of the plan, seen by British media. The proposal would immediately prohibit European companies from entering into new agreements for Russian gas. Existing short-term pipeline and liquefied natural gas (LNG) contracts would be phased out by 2026, with long-term contracts due to end no later than January 1, 2028. Hungary and Slovakia, two member states heavily reliant on Russian gas and previously opposed to sanctions, would be granted a temporary exemption allowing them to continue imports until 2027, according to officials familiar with the proposal.