EU imports of Russian LNG have jumped by 40% since the invasion of Ukraine

The EU's imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) have increased by 40% since the invasion of Ukraine. Spain and Belgium are the second and third-largest buyers of Russian LNG worldwide.

This is stated in the calculation of the Global Witness organisation. 

Between January and July 2023, EU countries bought 22 million cubic meters of LNG, compared with 15 million cubic meters during the same period in 2021 – a jump of 40%.

Global Witness projects the EU’s 2023 purchases to be worth €5.29 billion.

"This is a much sharper rise than the global average increase in Russian LNG imports, which stands at 6%. EU countries now buy the majority of Russia’s supply, propping up one of the Kremlin’s most important sources of revenue. Between January and July 2023, the EU bought 52% of Russia’s exports, compared to 49% in 2022 and 39% in 2021," the statement said.