European purchases of Russian Yamal LNG hit record levels ahead of looming import ban

European countries bought nearly all the liquefied natural gas produced by Russia's flagship Yamal plant in the first half of 2026, setting a new record just months before a planned EU import ban takes effect, according to a report by the environmental NGO Urgewald.

The Financial Times reported that Europe purchased almost all the LNG from the Yamal facility during that period, while the Kyiv Independent added that the total value of shipments reached an estimated €5.96 billion ($6.82 billion). Most of the cargoes arrived in France, Belgium, and Spain.

The Kyiv IndependentEU countries bought €6 billion in Russian Yamal LNG in first half of 2026 ahead of import ban

"Europe purchased almost all the LNG produced by the Yamal facility in the first half of 2026 ahead of import ban"

The surge in Russian LNG imports comes as the EU approaches a ban designed to reduce reliance on Moscow's energy exports. Critics argue that the last-minute buying spree is funneling billions to Russia at a time when it continues its war on Ukraine.

"This surge in purchases comes as the EU approaches an import ban on Russian LNG, raising concerns about boosting Moscow's revenue amid ongoing strikes against Ukraine."

According to the Urgewald report cited by the Kyiv Independent, the record purchases underscore the difficulty European nations face in weaning themselves off Russian gas, even as they prepare to outlaw those shipments entirely.