The European Union continues to buy Russian gas: can Ukraine change the situation?
Despite the imposed sanctions and plans for complete energy independence, European Union countries continue to purchase Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG). According to the latest data, France, Spain, and Belgium remain the main buyers of this resource in Europe.
The situation appears paradoxical, as the EU has officially decided to gradually phase out energy imports from Russia. However, technical market features and long-term contracts allow Russian companies to continue supplying gas to European ports, which provides the Kremlin with significant profits to fund the war.
Experts note that Ukraine could play a key role in ending this dependency. Since the contract for the transit of Russian gas through the Ukrainian gas transmission system expires at the end of 2024, Kyiv has the opportunity to definitively stop transit flows. This would force European partners to search for alternative energy sources more quickly.
Refusing Russian gas is an important step for the security of not only Ukraine but all of Europe. A complete cessation of cooperation with the aggressor will deprive Russia of financial leverage over European politics and help strengthen the continent's energy stability in the future.