EU to Ban All Russian Gas by 2028 in Move to Cut Kremlin War Funding

The European Union has taken a major step toward ending its reliance on Russian energy, with the Council agreeing on its negotiating position for a new regulation that aims to phase out Russian natural gas imports by Jan. 1, 2028.

The regulation, a core part of the EU’s REPowerEU strategy launched in response to Moscow’s use of energy as a geopolitical tool, sets a legally binding, step-by-step ban on both pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia.

Once adopted, the law would mark the most decisive move yet to sever Europe’s reliance on Russian energy supplies, which have been repeatedly disrupted since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

“An energy-independent Europe is a stronger and more secure Europe,” said Lars Aagaard, Denmark’s minister for climate, energy, and utilities. “Although we have worked hard to push Russian gas and oil out of Europe in recent years, we are not there yet. That is why it is crucial that the Danish Presidency has secured overwhelming support from Europe’s energy ministers for legislation that will definitively ban Russian gas from entering the EU.”

The proposed regulation is expected to strengthen the EU’s energy security and help build a more resilient market while cutting off a key source of revenue for the Kremlin’s war effort.

The United States has repeatedly urged Europe to eliminate Russian energy imports entirely, with President Donald Trump calling for a full embargo to prevent Moscow from financing its war against Ukraine.

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