In April 2026 alone, the five largest EU importers of Russian fossil fuels paid Russia a combined €1.6 billion, according to a monthly analysis by the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).
France was the largest importer, purchasing €413 million in Russian LNG in April — a 13% month-on-month increase.
Hungary ranked second, importing €380 million in Russian fossil fuels, including pipeline gas and crude oil.
Belgium was the EU’s third-largest importer, purchasing €363 million in Russian LNG in April. Its LNG imports from Russia increased by 33% month-on-month.
Slovakia ranked fourth, importing €228 million in Russian fossil fuels — including €124 million in pipeline gas and €104 million in crude oil delivered via the Druzhba pipeline.
Spain was the fifth-largest importer, purchasing €181 million in Russian fossil fuels, all of it LNG. Unlike other major importers, Spain’s Russian LNG imports fell sharply, declining 56% month-on-month.
The EU remains the largest buyer of Russian LNG, accounting for almost half (49%) of Russia’s total LNG exports, followed by China (23%) and Japan (19%).
The EU’s ban on short-term LNG contracts is a step forward, but the core problem remains long-term contracts, with a full ban currently set to take effect only from January 2027.
Without closing the long-term contract loophole sooner, Russian LNG will continue flowing into Europe.
EU leaders must act now to stop financing Russia’s war machine and address the LNG loophole in the 21st sanctions package.
Arc7 Ice-Class Tanker Problem
It is also crucial for the EU and UK to maximise pressure on Russia by targeting its vulnerable LNG logistics. Sixteen specialised Arc7 LNG tankers, capable of cutting through Arctic ice, are keeping Russia’s gas exports afloat.
Eleven of these vessels are owned or operated by companies with strong European ties, including UK-based Seapeak Maritime (6) and Greece’s Dynagas (5).
With an EU ban looming, there is still no plan for the European-owned ships that make these exports possible — raising fears that they could be rerouted or ultimately end up in Russian hands.
The EU and UK must find ways to prevent Russia from gaining access to Arc7 LNG tankers that remain under Western ownership from 2027 onwards.
We are urging the European Union and the United Kingdom to impose coordinated sanctions on all Arc7 ice-class LNG tankers transporting Russian Arctic LNG.