EU Fast Tracks Ban on Russian Gas After Trump Pressure

The European Union has announced plans to stop importing Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) one year earlier than previously scheduled, in a move designed to increase economic pressure on Vladimir Putin’s regime and curb funds used to sustain the war in Ukraine. The embargo, now due to take effect by the end of 2026, follows heightened calls from former US President Donald Trump for European nations to intensify energy sanctions and help weaken Russia’s war economy.

Recent data highlights how European buyers channelled approximately $4.4 billion into Russian LNG during the first half of this year, even after three years of public criticism towards Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. In the second quarter, Russia accounted for 14 per cent of EU LNG imports, with Belgium, France, Spain, and the Netherlands still sourcing substantial volumes, despite their commitments to Kyiv. The United Kingdom meanwhile has almost completely eliminated imports of Russian fossil fuels through its own sanctions and measures.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed the new strategy after consultations with Mr Trump, describing the embargo as part of a broader package targeting Russia’s energy sector. Additional measures include sanctions on the so-called shadow fleet transporting Russian oil and on Chinese businesses benefiting from discounted Russian shipments. The EU will also institute a strict price cap of $47.60 on Russian oil exports, aiming to undercut Russia’s revenues and reduce its capacity to fund the ongoing conflict.

This acceleration in sanctions reflects both economic and political priorities. By signalling a robust approach on Russian energy, EU leaders hope to maintain US support for Ukraine and demonstrate transatlantic unity. Hungarian objections to the embargo were overcome by promising Budapest €550 million—taken from a pool of EU funds previously frozen amidst disputes over Hungary’s judicial and human rights standards. The final step before implementation is approval from all 27 member states.

The shift suggests that energy trade remains central to the geopolitics of the Russia-Ukraine war. The EU now faces the challenge of securing alternative supplies and developing strategies to protect its energy security as it distances itself from Russian fossil fuels.