EU imports of Russian LNG rose 17.9% between Jan-May 2026 compared to 2025, with 96.7% of Yamal LNG exports going to EU ports. This occurs despite EU bans on short-term contracts and upcoming long-term contract bans, highlighting a missed opportunity to fully pressure Russia's war economy.
Russia has significantly expanded the list of representatives of European institutions banned from entering the country in response to the 20th package of EU sanctions. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated the new European sanctions grossly violate international law and are incapable of influencing Russia's foreign policy. The restrictive measures target representatives of European institutions, EU member-states, and other European countries, as well as civil activists, academic community members, and parliamentarians holding positions hostile to Russia.
The EU Council has been returning to the topic of EU economic sanctions against Israel regularly over the past two years
