The EU adopted its 21st sanctions package against Russia, significantly diluted due to objections from member states like Greece, which secured a 12-month waiver for EU companies to transport Russian LNG. Other proposals, including military service entry bans and fish import phase-outs, were also scaled back.
The EU approved its 21st sanctions package against Russia, including a "watered-down" exemption allowing EU companies, notably Greek shippers like Dynagas, to continue transporting Russian LNG to third countries for 12 months after Greece lobbied against a full ban.
The EU is reportedly preparing to allow Greek shipping company Dynagas to continue transporting Russian LNG to third countries for 12 months, capping volumes at 2025 levels, as part of its 21st sanctions package, following opposition from Greece and other member states seeking exemptions.
EU ambassadors in Brussels failed to reach an agreement on the 21st package of anti-Russian sanctions, which included softer restrictions on Russian LNG transportation to third countries and excluded a proposed ban on Russian fish.
Greece faces new challenges balancing support for Ukraine with protecting its economy, encountering EU sanctions hurdles over Russian LNG shipping and security concerns after a Ukrainian drone incident. The country is providing aid and reconstruction support but remains cautious due to potential Russian hybrid warfare.
The EU imported a record 9.89 million tons of Russian LNG from the Yamal project in the first half of 2026, an 18% increase year-on-year, ahead of a planned ban from January 2027. France, Belgium, and Spain were the largest buyers, as Europe absorbed most of Yamal's output while shipments to Asia dropped.
Spain's imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) rose significantly in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. Russia became the third-largest gas supplier to Spain, providing 19.7% of the total volume.
Estonia has released striking images of machine guns and sandbags mounted on a Russian-flagged LNG carrier, the Marshal Vasilevskiy, in the Baltic Sea. This move signals a more confrontational approach from Moscow in safeguarding its civilian fleet, with analysts calling it a "crazy new step" and a hostile message to EU and NATO nations.
Estonia released surveillance images showing a Russian-flagged LNG carrier, Marshal Vasilevskiy, fortified with machine guns and sandbags in the Baltic Sea. This move, described as hostile by an analyst, signals Russia's confrontational stance to protect its civilian fleet amid sanctions and increased military presence.
Russia was the second-largest supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the European Union in April, with its supplies valued at 705 million euros, representing a 16.4% share. The United States led the market with a 61% share.
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's newspapers highlight renewed US-Iran military exchanges, India's potential import of Russian LNG amid Middle East disruptions, and the US's focus on economic ties with Central Asia through critical minerals cooperation.
India's Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, stated that India is interested in purchasing Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG), calling Russia a strategic partner. Experts suggest India may resist US pressure if the need becomes critical, while potential supplies could begin in 2026 with volumes of 5-8 billion cubic meters.
Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak announced that Vietnam has expressed interest in importing Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG). Active work is underway in this direction, with Russian and Vietnamese companies collaborating. This follows a preliminary contract signed by Novatek with a Vietnamese buyer.
EU gas imports from Russia surged to 2.267 billion cubic meters in May, reaching a record high for the year. Conversely, imports from the Middle East dropped to zero for the first time since data collection began, due to production suspension in Qatar.
The EU's imports of Russian LNG surged 16% year-over-year in Q1, despite plans to phase out Russian fossil fuels by 2027, due to the energy crisis exacerbated by the US-Israeli war on Iran and global LNG market disruptions.
Russian LNG supplies to the EU increased by 18.5% to 8.98 bcm in January-April 2026, with a record 2.46 bcm in March amid Middle East supply disruptions and EU ban on short-term Russian LNG contracts.
Data from Spain's Enagas shows Russian LNG imports rose to 23,157 GWh between January and April 2026, securing Russia's position as the country's third-largest supplier behind the U.S. and Algeria.
India has reportedly rejected Russian LNG cargoes under US sanctions, despite energy security worries. A sanctioned Russian LNG shipment is now stranded near Singapore as India navigates compliance risks. While India continues to import Russian crude, LNG is harder to conceal from global tracking systems. Discussions are ongoing for non-sanctioned Russian supplies.
Multiple news items covering US-Russia diplomatic engagement on Ukraine ceasefire, US threats of military action against Iran, China's 18.2% increase in Russian LNG imports, and various related geopolitical developments. Trump stated he offered Putin a 'little bit of a ceasefire' for the Victory Day period, while also indicating new strikes on Iran hinge on nuclear talks progress.
The EU's ban on importing Russian liquefied natural gas on short-term contracts took effect April 25, 2026. However, a significant decline in Russian LNG sales to Europe should not be expected until 2027. Russia ranked second after the US in EU LNG imports in 2025 with a 16.1% share by value, accounting for about 14% of EU LNG imports by volume.
The EU has adopted its 20th package of anti-Russian sanctions, banning the provision of LNG terminal services to Russian companies from January 2027. The sanctions also prohibit technical maintenance and other services for Russian LNG tankers and icebreakers, aiming to terminate long-term contracts and limit Russia's offshore capabilities.
