EU plans to ban Russian LNG imports by 2027 to cut war revenues

On September 19, 2025, the European Commission proposed stricter sanctions against Russia as part of its continuing response to the ongoing war in Ukraine. The announcement came amid significant pressure from the United States, emphasizing the need to reduce Russia's reliance on fossil fuel revenues that sustain its military actions. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed that the goal of these sanctions is to limit Moscow's financial resources, thereby hindering its war efforts. Among the key measures proposed is the immediate ban on liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from Russia, which aims to accelerate the transition toward more sustainable energy sources within the European Union. The proposed sanctions mark the 19th package aimed at intensifying economic pressure on Russia. This comes in response to heightened Russian military aggression, including drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian territory, as well as violations of European airspace. Von der Leyen pointed out that Russia has shown a blatant disregard for diplomatic negotiations, prompting the EU to take further action. The sanctions, once approved by the member states, aim to impact not just Russian energy companies but also target financial mechanisms that allow bypassing existing sanctions. In line with the EU's broader strategy, the commission outlined plans to phase out LNG imports by January 2027, which is a year earlier than initially envisioned. This shift represents a significant step in the EU’s objective to wean itself off Russian energy dependency, following earlier bans on coal and oil. Despite the EU's efforts, as of early 2025, LNG imports from Russia still amounted to around 4.5 billion Euros in the first half of the year, underscoring the challenges the bloc faces in diversifying its energy supply. The initiative to cut energy ties with Russia reflects a concerted effort among EU countries to align their energy strategies with geopolitical realities. The commission's call for a timely endorsement of the new sanctions highlights the urgency in addressing the ongoing crisis and the need for a cohesive EU approach. The EU aims not only to strike at the economic backbone of Russia’s war capabilities but also to encourage a substantial shift toward renewable energy production and consumption across member states, thus reinforcing its commitment to climate goals while navigating the complexities of international relations.