Despite the cessation of Russian gas transit through Ukraine, the countries of the European Union (EU) have increased its imports to unprecedented levels. Analysts claim that Europe cannot refuse energy resources - they are supplied under existing long-term contracts.

Citing data collected by Kpler, Politico writes that in the first 15 days of 2025, 27 EU countries imported 837.3 thousand. tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia. This became a record figure after 760.1 thousand were imported during the same period last year.. tons of LNG.

" Wind power is not operating at maximum capacity. Therefore, there is a desire to maintain these volumes,” says Kpler senior LNG analyst Charles Costerus.

According to him, 95-96% of Russian LNG supplied to Europe was produced at the Yamal LNG plant.. In addition, the majority of gas was supplied through long-term contracts. “It’s not that the EU is buying additional gas on spot – these are contracted volumes,” adds Costerus.

European Commission spokeswoman Anna-Kaisa Itkonen said attempts to reduce Moscow's share of imports of coal, oil and gas have destroyed Russia's control over Europe's energy system.. According to her, the European Commission is already developing a “road map” to stop imports of Russian energy resources. It is planned to be published at the end of February..

“Despite these significant results, Russian energy, especially gas, remains present in the EU, and gas imports from Russia increased in 2024, including LNG imports. This raises serious concerns,"

European companies have previously emphasized more than once that they are obliged to transport LNG under the terms of contracts, from which they can be released only by the authorities imposing a ban on Russian imports.. Ten EU countries, primarily the Baltic and Scandinavian countries, recently called for such a ban to be announced as soon as possible.