**Europe’s Last Chance to Ban Russian LNG**
The time is running out for Europe to take action against Russia‘s liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports. With the Trump administration‘s plan to end the war in Ukraine, Europe may soon lose its ability to impose new sanctions on Russian fossil fuels.
For nearly three years, Western sanctions have been in place, but now they are at a turning point. The newly appointed envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, has reportedly crafted a strategy that includes lifting certain sanctions as part of a negotiation process. This would undermine the leverage that Western nations have built over the past three years.
**Russia’s LNG Imports**
Russian LNG imports to Europe not only finance the Kremlin’s war in Ukraine but also fund Russia’s ongoing sabotage and attacks on European soil. Despite the EU’s goal of reducing reliance on Russian energy, European purchases of Russian LNG have surged in recent months, undermining Europe’s own industrial security.
**Time to Act**
Europe must take bold action now, before negotiations begin, while it still holds the cards. Banning Russian LNG imports would send a strong message of unity and resolve to Moscow and strengthen Ukraine’s negotiating position. It would also accelerate energy diversification across Europe, establishing new trade patterns that would be difficult to undo.
**The Trump Factor**
The Trump administration is likely to pressure Europe to adopt its own sanctions policy, even at the expense of European interests. By taking decisive action now, Europe can assert its autonomy and safeguard its long-term financial and strategic interests.
**What’s Next?**
By banning Russian LNG imports, the EU would be sending a strong message of unity and resolve to Moscow. To ensure a smooth transition, Ukrainian civil society encourages the European Commission to establish a fund to support member states and industries in moving away from gas and to strengthen energy partnerships with Ukraine.
Europe must act now before it’s too late. The time for excuses is over; the time for action is now.