Instead, the proposal will halt the supply of Russian LNG to EU terminals not connected to the bloc's gas system, which will not significantly impact the majority of LNG imports.
The sanctions will also target Russian oil tankers within the so-called "shadow fleet," with 74 new vessels facing restrictions, and aim to limit aluminum exports. The package is also set to include a ban on video game equipment, like Microsoft's Xbox, which the EU claims Russia uses to pilot drones.
Politico notes that last month, 10 EU countries, including Finland, Poland, and the Baltic states, urged the European Commission to swiftly ban Russian gas and LNG imports. Lithuanian Energy Minister Žygimantas Vaičiūnas expressed regret that a blanket ban on Russian LNG was not included but remains hopeful that the EU will eventually develop a "road map" to end all energy ties with Russia.
“It’s a pity," Vaičiūnas told Politico. “To a certain extent, we are disappointed."
Last month, the EU imported record volumes of Russian LNG, with exports increasing by nearly 20% last year. Most Russian LNG enters via ports in Spain, Belgium, and France from the Yamal plant in Siberia, with Germany relying on indirect supplies despite its ban on Russian LNG tankers.
Sanctions against Russia: latest
EU chief diplomat Kaja Kallas announced on Jan. 27 that the European Union had extended sanctions against Russia for another six months.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Jan. 21 that new sanctions against Russia were highly likely to be imposed if dictator Vladimir Putin did not agree to negotiate over Ukraine.
The American leader called on Putin to "make a deal" on his Truth Social account on Jan. 22, pointing out that the Russian economy is "collapsing" and will "only get worse."
Kallas said on Jan. 28 that the EU may ban the supply of game consoles to Russia as part of a new package of sanctions.