European Union aims to bring forward Russian LNG import ban

AFTER TRUMP PRESSURE

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The European Union plans to ban Russian LNG imports into the bloc a year earlier than envisaged as part of a 19th package of sanctions against Moscow, EU officials said on Friday, a change that follows pressure from US President Donald Trump.

“The revenues from fossil fuels sustain Russia's war economy. We want to cut these revenues,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, as she announced the proposal, which requires unanimous approval from EU governments.

“So we are banning imports of Russian LNG into European markets. It is time to turn off the tap,’ von der Leyen said.

An EU sanctions proposal kicks off intense discussions among the 27-member countries to reach an agreement. Russia-friendly governments in Hungary and Slovakia have held up previous packages before a compromise was finally reached.