By Matt Underwood We really need to act: EU breaks taboo with first-ever sanctions on Russian LNG. This feels like a significant moment, a turning point perhaps. It’s the European Union, finally taking a decisive step and hitting Russia where it arguably hurts most: the wallet. The news of sanctions on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) signals a shift, a recognition that the old ways of doing business simply aren’t acceptable anymore. It’s about time, honestly.
This move feels long overdue. We’re talking about a war that’s been raging for some time now, a conflict fueled in part by the very resources the EU has been importing. The fact that it took this long, until September of 2025, is a bit shocking. Sanctions shouldn’t be a taboo, but a necessary measure when dealing with such blatant aggression.
The hope is that these sanctions will contribute to what everyone wants: weakening Putin’s financial standing. By limiting Russia’s access to revenue from LNG, the plan is to hinder its ability to fund the war in Ukraine. It’s a move that could put real financial pressure on the Russian regime, pushing them toward financial hardship. Losing customers, losing revenue – that’s the goal. The hope is that it eventually leads to a shift in the global landscape, and perhaps a return to peace.
Let’s be frank. We’ve all contributed, in some way, to funding the war. Every time we use energy derived from Russian sources, we inadvertently help keep the war machine running. Thinking about that connection is uncomfortable. The EU’s action should serve as a reminder that every purchase of Russian fossil fuels, has been paid for in the blood of Ukrainian civilians.
Speaking of alternatives, this is where the discussion around green energy comes in. The EU sanction on LNG, offers a great argument for accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources. It’s about not just weakening Russia, but about building a more sustainable, and secure energy future. There’s a direct link here, between reducing reliance on Russian fossil fuels, and investing in green technologies.
The question of where the electricity comes from to charge electric vehicles, is also important. It’s a critical point in this broader picture. In many places, including my own, wind and hydro are the dominant sources, so the transition to electric cars also drives the transition to renewables, helping to break reliance on Russian fossil fuels. Renewables have become increasingly competitive in the market. Ten years ago, wind and solar were a tiny portion of energy generation. Today, they make up a much larger share, and this trend is likely to continue.
Of course, the transition to green energy isn’t without its challenges. The fixed costs are significant, which leads to costs that may not immediately show up on the consumer bills. But as renewable energy capacity increases, and technology improves, costs will likely drop and renewable energy sources will continue to grow.
One of the main concerns here, is the role of other countries. China, for example, is buying Russian oil in large quantities. This situation undermines the effectiveness of sanctions, and provides Russia with an alternative market for its fossil fuels. This, of course, leads to the question of if someone else will buy the Russian oil, what will happen to the price.
The picture is complex. While the EU sanctions are a positive step, the overall impact depends on how other countries react, and how quickly the world can transition to alternative sources of energy. The adoption of green energy has increased and will continue to.
In short, the EU’s decision to sanction Russian LNG is a vital step forward. It’s a recognition of the importance of both weakening the war machine, and accelerating the green energy transition. Let’s hope this is just the beginning of a more decisive and unified approach.