Europe’s stance seems conflicted between imposing sanctions on Russia and trying to distance itself from its energy. On the one hand, European countries are talking about reducing the purchase of oil and gas from Russia. People are seeing displeasure over the lifting of sanctions on Russia by America. On the other hand, a large amount of LNG is also being purchased from Russia. According to German research group Ergewald, more than 12 million tonnes of Russian Arctic LNG arrived at European Union ports between January and September 2026. Which is 9.5% more than the same period last year. France is at the forefront in this matter.

Interestingly, European leaders have also expressed displeasure over US President Donald Trump’s decision to ease energy sanctions on Russia. The European Union regretted the US decision to temporarily lift the ban on Russian diesel. In such a situation, the question is that when Europe wants to maintain economic pressure on Russia and is not happy with America’s decision, then why is it increasing the purchase of gas from Russia? What is the problem with European countries that on the one hand they are criticizing Russia and on the other hand they allow ships full of Russian gas to come to their ports?

Why is Europe buying gas from Russia despite protests?

The biggest challenge facing Europe is meeting its energy needs. After the Russia-Ukraine war, European countries have tried to reduce their dependence on Russian energy. However, gas purchases from Russia have not stopped completely.

The supply system of natural gas is different from that of crude oil. Pipelines, LNG terminals, gas storage and distribution require special infrastructure. In such a situation, it is not easy to get immediate and complete quantity of gas from one supplier to another country. Energy demand, gas availability and prices also influence purchasing decisions.

LNG can be transported from one country to another by ships. But this requires an import terminal to liquefy the gas, transport it by ship and make it reusable. Therefore, countries in Europe that have arrangements to import Russian LNG. It may take time for them to completely switch to buying gas from other countries. This is the reason why some European countries are buying gas from Russia despite efforts to maintain political and economic pressure on it.

Why did America ease sanctions on Russia?

US President Donald Trump has halted several proposed sanctions against Russia through an executive order. Earlier this month, Trump announced an agreement to bring Russian diesel to the global market. The US administration argues that this could help reduce rising energy prices. During the US-Israeli conflict over Iran, pressure on prices in the energy market increased.

The US Treasury has eased restrictions on Russian diesel sales until April 2027. However, Europe worries that the US move to buy energy from Russia could weaken the pressure created by the sanctions. But looking at Europe’s gas purchase figures, his concerns appear contradictory.

How much did Russian LNG imports increase in 9 months?

According to data from German research group Ergewald, more than 12 million tonnes of Russian Arctic LNG arrived at EU ports between January and September 2026. Compared to the same period last year, imports were lower. Thus, a year-on-year increase of 9.5% was recorded.

According to the think tank Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), European Union countries imported 817 million euros worth of pipeline gas and 615 million euros worth of LNG from Russia in September. This means that gas from Russia to Europe includes both pipeline gas and LNG by ship. The rise in LNG imports represents a challenge to Europe’s energy policy.

France and the Netherlands are big buyers of Russian LNG

France and the Netherlands were the biggest buyers of Russian LNG among EU countries in September, according to CREA data. France imported 446 million euros worth of LNG and the Netherlands imported 116 million euros. France’s LNG imports are up 103% compared to last month.

At the same time, Hungary remained at the forefront of importing Russian pipeline gas. In September, it bought gas worth 41.4 crore Euros, which is about Rs 4,300 crores. Slovakia spent Rs. 1,700 crore of pipeline gas and Bulgaria Rs. 1,400 crore worth of pipeline gas has been purchased.

Difference between LNG and Russian pipeline

The main difference between Russian LNG and Russian pipeline gas is how it is supplied. In LNG that stands for liquefied natural gas, the natural gas is cooled to a temperature of about minus 162 degrees Celsius to be liquefied and transported to other countries by special vessels. There it is converted back to gas at the terminal. At the same time, pipeline gas is transported from one country to another through large pipelines in gas form. LNG can also be shipped by sea to countries that do not have a direct pipeline connection to Russia, while a pipeline network is required to supply pipeline gas.

If we look at the whole picture, we understand that the question is not only why Europe buys gas from Russia, but also how quickly it can arrange to get gas from other countries. As long as this gap between energy demand and supply persists, it will be a major challenge for Europe to completely stop buying gas from Russia, and even if Europe wants to, it will be difficult to completely distance itself from Russia.