New reports say that Russia has overtaken the US as the largest gas supplier to Europe in May, a shocking new revelation that highlights the hypocrisy of European leaders who say they want Russia's war atrocities to end.

Ukrainian-based organisation Razom We Stand now calls for urgent decisive action to halt European Union funding of Putin's war chest. Europe as a whole, and especially its largest economic power, Germany, must advocate for a complete ban on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports in the upcoming 14th EU sanction package against Russia. Germany is accused of blocking gas sanctions, and we demand this position be reversed.

Svitlana Romanko, Director of Razom We Stand, said, "The fact that Europe purchases more LNG gas from Russia than the United States is alarming. As Putin's brutal assault on Ukraine rages on, it is imperative that the European Union takes decisive action to halt the flow of funds into Russia's war machine. As Ukraine faces risks of total black-outs during winter due to Russia's relentless attacks on energy infrastructure, the EU must prioritize human lives over outdated economic practices and show unwavering solidarity with Ukraine during this critical time. By enacting a comprehensive ban on Russian LNG imports, Europe can make a significant impact on financing war and stopping the ongoing murder of innocent Ukrainians. 

Russian attacks on Ukraine have caused considerable damage to vital infrastructure, including the energy infrastructure, 50% of which has been destroyed, which will put Ukrainians struggling to survive at severe risk next winter.

France and Germany are leading importers of Russian LNG gas. Despite reducing its reliance on Russian fossil fuels, between May 2023 and May 2024, Germany imported an estimated €182.4 million of oil products made from Russian crude oil. Russian LNG gas also continues to reach Germany from Belgium, with imports via the port of Zeebrugge increasing by 41% to 4 billion cubic meters in 2023 compared to 2022. To truly impact Putin’s war chest, Germany must support a full ban on both Russian oil and LNG now. 

Recent data from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) highlights France's rapid growth in Russian LNG imports, with payments totalling 600 million euros in the first three months of 2024 alone. France has emerged as the fastest-growing consumer of Russian LNG in the EU, surpassing all other EU countries in LNG imports from Russia during this period.

At the same time LNG from Russia comprised almost 26% of Spain's gas imports in March, up from 14.4% a year earlier, confirming that the Iberian country is a key entry hub for Russian gas into Europe.

Razom We Stand calls on Germany, France, Spain and the EU to announce full support for a ban on Russian LNG imports, and collaborate with European partners to diversify energy sources, and address legal and contractual barriers to energy diversification. The organisation emphasises the importance of Europe's commitment to upholding international norms and values in the face of Russian aggression.

ENDS

NOTES:

Razom We Stand is a Ukrainian organisation active internationally, calling for a total and permanent embargo on Russian fossil fuels and an immediate end to all investment into Russian oil and gas companies by phasing out fossil fuels globally.

Svitlana Romanko, founder and Director of Razom We Stand, has appeared in top-tier international press, including the Financial Times, Bloomberg, The Guardian, Der Spiegel, Le Monde, Washington Post, Politico, CNN, NBC, The Hill, and more.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Jason Kirkpatrick
Head of Communications
press@razomwestand.org
Razom We Stand