Proposed EU Ban on Russian LNG Imports
The European Union is accelerating its plan to ban Russian LNG imports, aiming for a new deadline of January 1, 2027, as a part of its 19th sanctions package against Moscow. This move is reportedly influenced by pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Details of the Sanctions Package
- The new sanctions will also target:
- Russia's shadow tanker fleet
- Cryptocurrency
- Russian and Central Asian banks
- Chinese refineries
- Economic zones and a customs loophole used by Russia for military dual-use goods
- The European Commission plans to present this package to EU envoys, requiring approval from all 27 member states.
Responses and Implications
- Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov remarked that the EU's proposal would not compel Russia to alter its stance.
- President Trump is urging Europe to play a more substantial role in the conflict in Ukraine, encouraging it to:
- Support Ukraine's military financially
- Reduce energy revenues for Russia
- The proposal might increase EU's energy dependency on the U.S. if they need to make up shortfalls through U.S. LNG purchases.
- According to Eurostat, Russia's share of EU LNG imports decreased from 22% in Q1 2021 to 14% in Q2 2025.
Current Import Scenario and Future Plans
- Countries importing Russian LNG include Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, and France.
- Gas via TurkStream is delivered to Slovakia, Hungary, and Bulgaria.
- Totalenergies CEO Patrick Pouyanne indicated that Russian gas could be needed until the end of 2027, after which alternatives would be available without affecting prices.
