EU countries imported record volumes of LNG from Russia’s Yamal plant in the first half of 2026
The Facts
- EU countries imported record-high volumes of LNG from Russia’s Yamal LNG plant in the first half of 2026.
- Reports citing Kpler data put the first-half import volume at roughly 9.89 million metric tons, while Reuters reported 9.97 million metric tons from 136 cargoes.
- The first-half 2026 import volume was reported as higher than a year earlier, with sources citing an increase of about 16% to 18% year over year.
- France, Belgium and Spain were identified as the largest EU buyers of LNG from Yamal in the first half of 2026.
- Current EU rules already ban imports of Russian LNG under short-term contracts, but imports under long-term contracts can continue until January 1, 2027.
- The record imports came ahead of the EU’s planned full ban on Russian LNG imports taking effect on January 1, 2027.
- Several reports estimated the value of the EU’s first-half purchases from Yamal at about 6 billion euros.
Context
Why are EU countries still importing Russian LNG if a ban is coming?
Because the EU’s current restrictions distinguish between contract types: imports under short-term contracts were banned from April 2026, but deliveries under long-term contracts can continue until January 1, 2027 Reuters,РБК-Украина,Meduza.
Which EU countries bought the most LNG from Yamal?
France, Belgium and Spain were the largest buyers in the first half of 2026, according to multiple reports citing Kpler data Lenta.ru,Українська …,РБК-Украина.
What remains unclear from the reporting?
The sources agree imports hit a record and rose from a year earlier, but they do not fully explain the reasons for the increase; they mainly establish that purchases continued under rules allowing long-term contracts until 2027 Reuters,РБК-Украина,Meduza.
Where Left and Right agree, and where they split
- Where Left and Right agree
- Record Yamal imports before the 2027 ban showed that long-term contract carveouts still permit large Russian LNG flows despite the EU’s stated direction.
- Where Left and Right split
- Whether the story is about a sanctions policy undermined by its own loophole, or about an energy strategy that leaves Europe dependent despite planned restrictions.
How left and right read it
The striking fact here is that record EU purchases from Yamal, worth about 6 billion euros, happened even with a full ban already scheduled for January 1, 2027. That matters because the current carveout for long-term contracts is still allowing very large flows to continue, showing how policy can declare a public goal while leaving a major economic channel open in practice.
What stands out is Europe’s continued dependence: record imports from Yamal, concentrated among a few major buyers, persisted even with a full ban already on the calendar. That matters because sovereignty is not just about announcing future restrictions; it requires the kind of energy posture that does not leave major economies this exposed while long-term commitments still run.
The receipts — all 66 sources
Wire services (4)
Independent coverage (50)
Facts first. Then every angle.
The day’s biggest stories in one short brief — the facts everyone agrees on, then the competing values behind the headlines. Free in your inbox.