The European Union has included a ban on the import of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) in its 19th package of sanctions. However, the EU remains the largest buyer of LNG from Russia, as confirmed by data from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (Crea), cited by The Guardian.
The ban will take effect for short-term contracts from April 25, 2026, and for long-term contracts from January 1, 2027. According to Crea analysts, the EU accounts for about 50% of total Russian LNG exports. China is in second place (22%), and Japan is in third place (18%).
From February 2022 to September 2025, the European Union purchased LNG from Russia for 42 billion euros. In addition, the bloc is considered the largest buyer of Russian pipeline gas. The EU accounts for 35% of gas supplies, followed by China (30%) and Turkey (29%).
US Sanctions Against the Russian Energy Sector
On October 23, the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Rosneft, LUKOIL, and some of their structures. These companies extract more than 50% of the total oil volume in Russia. Washington hopes that this will affect the purchases of Russian hydrocarbons by companies from China and India.
From January to September 2025, 86% of Russian crude oil exports, including pipeline supplies, went to China and India. If Moscow loses access to these markets, its revenue will decrease by $7.4 billion per month. This is approximately $3.6 billion in tax revenue per month.
The US leadership plans to squeeze Russia out of the EU energy market in order to increase its own supplies. Moreover, Washington expects to reduce Moscow's share in the South Asian market.
The consequences of Trump's energy war against Russia are still unclear. Industry observers warn that much will depend on the severity of the sanctions and the reaction of those countries that are still dependent on Russian energy resources.
Kremlin's Reaction to New Western Sanctions
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that US sanctions have political and economic aspects. From a political point of view, Washington is trying to put pressure on Moscow. But"no self-respecting country makes decisions under pressure", he emphasized.
Our energy sector feels quite confident. Although there will certainly be some losses.
The head of state recalled Russia's significant contribution to the global energy balance. According to him, it takes time and large investments to replace Russian energy resources, including oil and gas.
Read more materials on the topic:
Now on home
Almost half of Russian citizens have felt the impact of neural networks on their memory, attention, and thinking
The vehicle with ADR approval is equipped with a 482 hp engine and a robotic transmission
Strongbox will equip the interiors of the helicopter carriers Vasily Trushin and Vladimir Andreev
FSB prevented illegal export of technologies in St. Petersburg
Thanks to a new method, cells "switch" and begin to fight the tumor
Foreigners are patrolling the skies in the region as part of the Baltic Air Policing mission
The Ministry of Defense Demanded Another 722 Million Rubles from the Enterprise
Wind tunnel tests will help athletes reduce air resistance
The mechanism is proposed to be implemented through "Gosuslugi" or MFC
Engineers from PNRPU, together with colleagues from China and Saudi Arabia, have developed a computer model that will save wells from collapse
The fifth-generation combat aircraft has been delivered to the Algerian Air Force
Reasons include high Central Bank rate, rising costs, and shortage of server equipment due to AI