EU imports record 12.18 million tons of Russian Arctic LNG in nine months, 9.5% more than year earlier — research group
Europe spent about 7.88 billion euros on it, the German group of experts says.
In the first nine months of 2025, Europe has imported a record 12.18 million tons of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Arctic, marking a 9.5% increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to a study by the German group Urgewald. This gas, primarily from Russia's Yamal project, has generated approximately 7.88 billion euros in revenue for Russia, which is being used to fund military operations against Ukraine.
Despite the EU's intention to impose significant sanctions on Russia's military industry, the flow of Russian LNG continues. The Yamal project delivered 167 cargoes to European ports, with one shipment occurring roughly every 1.6 days. Europe accounted for 85% of Yamal's recorded deliveries by volume, making it its largest market.
The LNG trade reached a peak in September, with EU ports receiving 792,440 tons worth an estimated 818 million euros, with France being the major recipient. The United States, however, has the potential to halt this trade by October 18th, as it is set to complete its first review under the Lindsey Graham sanctions act. This law permits Washington to sanction Russian gas trade at any time.
Although the US has previously allowed Russian diesel to enter the US and global market, the decision on Russian LNG is expected to remain delayed. The EU's sanctions thus far have had little impact on the trade, with a ban on short-term LNG contracts taking effect in April and a full import ban starting in January 2027. This uninterrupted trade is providing Russia with additional revenue while Ukraine continues to face daily missile and drone strikes.
The European Union plans to introduce a more comprehensive package of sanctions to address this issue and close any remaining loopholes.
Written by urgent.news from Euromaidan Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
