The EU officially bans LNG imports from Russia.
The European Union (EU) imposed a ban on short-term LNG imports from Russia, effective April 25.
According to RIA Novosti, on April 25, the European Union (EU) officially banned the import of Russian LNG (liquefied natural gas) purchased under short-term contracts. This move is part of a strategy to completely cut off energy supplies from Moscow and comes amid an escalating energy crisis due to conflicts in the Middle East.
This decision was ultimately approved by the European Council in January 2026 in the form of a "regulation". The application of a general regulation helps the EU avoid vetoes from individual countries such as Hungary and Slovakia, thanks to its approval by a qualified majority vote. However, Slovakia and Hungary have announced they are appealing the decision to the EU court.
The ban will affect LNG supplies with contract terms of less than one year, including parts of existing agreements. According to Brussels' calculations, this is the first step towards completely ending Russian gas imports into Europe before 2027.
Key timelines calculated by the EU according to the roadmap: June 17, 2026, the ban on short-term pipeline gas from Russia begins; January 1, 2027, a comprehensive ban on LNG, including long-term contracts; and by the autumn of 2027, a complete halt to pipeline gas imports from Russia.
In recent times, the EU has consistently recorded a significant decline in the share of Russian gas in its total imports. However, according to the RIA Novosti news agency, as of February 2026, Russia still accounted for nearly 14% of the EU's LNG supply. This figure helps Moscow maintain its position as the second largest supplier to Europe, after the United States. Regarding pipeline gas, Russia has fallen from third to fourth place, accounting for approximately 12% of the bloc's total imports.
Ivan Timonin, a senior manager at the consulting firm Implementa, predicts that Europe will lose nearly a third of its LNG imports from Russia after the short-term cooperation ban officially takes effect on April 25.
"The structure of Russia's LNG supply to Europe is characterized by a dominance of long-term contracts, accounting for approximately 70% of the volume. Accordingly, the proportion of short-term and spot contracts is estimated at around 30%. This is the part that will be directly affected by the ban on importing Russian LNG," this expert analyzed.
Overall, in 2025, Russia will hold 13% of the EU's total LNG imports. Timonin emphasized that, currently, Russian gas still holds a significant position in the European market, despite consistent policies aimed at gradually reducing the region's dependence.
Last March, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow's proactive decision to halt LNG supplies to the European market before the EU ban takes effect could yield greater benefits. This would pave the way for Russia to consolidate its position in potential new markets. Putin also indicated that he would instruct the government and businesses to thoroughly study this option.