Despite reduced volumes, Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) continues to flow into the European Union. In the first six months of the year alone, EU countries purchased almost 10 million tons of gas from the Yamal LNG project. This was stated by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko. However, according to him, current supply volumes cannot be compared with previous record figures.

According to Financial Times data, in January-June 2026, EU countries acquired almost 10 million tons of gas from Yamal LNG. This is 18% more than in the same period last year.

Grushko added that Russia previously supplied about 40% of the EU's total gas balance. Now, volumes are significantly below that level.

About the Yamal LNG project

Yamal LNG is a major Russian project for natural gas extraction, liquefaction, and export. It operates based on the South Tambey field in the northeast of the Yamal Peninsula in the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug. The project operator is Yamal LNG, whose asset is controlled by NOVATEK.

The main feature of the project is that gas is extracted in the Arctic and then converted into liquefied natural gas at a plant. In this form, gas takes up much less space and can be transported by special tankers to other countries.

The plant is located in the Sabetta area, where a large industrial and transport infrastructure, including a seaport and an airport, was specially created for the project.