EU gas imports from Russia hit highest level since Ukraine invasion

The European Union imported Russian gas at the highest volume since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, according to an EurActiv report, undercutting the bloc's stated commitment to energy independence.

The EU pledged in 2022 to end all imports of Russian gas and oil by the end of 2027. However, continued reliance on Russian supplies reflects both the difficulty of rapidly replacing energy infrastructure and the competitive pricing of Russian gas in European markets.

The figures highlight the gap between EU political rhetoric on sanctions and the practical constraints of energy transition. Member states including Hungary have resisted stronger measures against Russian energy, complicating unified bloc policy.