EU Russian Arctic LNG Imports Hit $4.4bn Record Despite Sanctions Measures

European Union imports of Russian Arctic liquefied natural gas from the Yamal LNG project hit a record high in the first four months of 2026, despite the bloc introducing measures intended to curb purchases of Russian fuel.

The EU imported 6.69 million metric tonnes of LNG from the Russian Arctic project between January and April, up 17.2% from the same period a year earlier, according to analysis of Kpler shipment data published on Friday by environmental group Urgewald.

The imports represented 98% of all Yamal LNG cargoes that reached a final destination during the period, underscoring Europe’s continuing role as the