Editor’s Note
The European Union has approved its first-ever sanctions targeting Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG), a significant escalation in economic measures aimed at curtailing Moscow’s energy revenues. This development marks a new phase in the bloc’s response to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The European Union (EU) approved sanctions against Russia, which continues its invasion of Ukraine, targeting liquefied natural gas (LNG) during an ambassadorial-level meeting on the 20th. This marks the first time the EU has imposed sanctions on Russia concerning LNG.
According to the British newspaper Financial Times, the new sanctions prohibit the transshipment of Russian LNG at EU ports for export to third countries. The Financial Times and other sources report that Russia exports LNG from its Arctic production facilities to Asia and other regions via Europe.
Citing expert sources, Reuters states that Russian LNG destined for Asia via the EU accounts for approximately 10% of Russia’s total LNG exports. However, the agreement did not include a ban on EU member states importing Russian LNG themselves.
