EU to Ban Russian LNG Imports: Von der Leyen Announces 19th Package of Sanctions

The EU sets a date for ending Russian LNG.

The European Union will ban the import of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) into its territory starting January 1, 2027, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed while presenting the bloc’s 19th package of sanctions against Moscow.

“Russia’s military economy is based on fossil fuel revenues. We want to reduce these revenues. Therefore, we are banning the import of Russian LNG into European markets,” von der Leyen said, adding, “It’s time to turn off the tap. We are ready for this.”

Kallas: Accelerated Timeline

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaia Kallas also emphasized that Brussels intends to move quickly to phase out Russian LNG.

“Our goal is to accelerate the abandonment of Russian liquefied gas by January 1, 2027,” she said.

This decision marks one of the strongest steps yet in the EU’s effort to dismantle Moscow’s energy leverage over Europe and deprive the Kremlin of funds that it can use to finance its war in Ukraine. It follows earlier bans on Russian coal and most oil imports.

Sanctions Package Linked to US Demands

The official presentation of the sanctions package had been delayed after US President Donald Trump called on EU leaders to adopt tougher measures as a condition for parallel American sanctions.

Trump insisted that NATO countries also stop purchasing Russian oil, making Europe’s agreement on the LNG ban a key part of transatlantic negotiations.