European leaders have long tried to reduce their reliance on Russian natural gas. Yet, the reality is quite different. While much attention focuses on Eastern European countries like Slovakia and Hungary, which resist cutting ties with Moscow, a larger problem lies with Brussels and its bureaucracy.
Data from Reuters shows that Gazprom’s gas deliveries to Europe through the Turkstream pipeline rose by 10.3% in May 2025. This increase highlights Europe’s growing dependence on Turkstream. Since Ukraine refused to renew the gas transit deal on January 1, Turkstream has become Russia’s only way to supply natural gas to Europe via Turkey.
According to Europe’s gas transmission group ENTSOG, Russian exports through Turkstream grew by 4.3 million cubic meters per day, reaching 46 million cubic meters in May, up from 41.7 million in April. However, year-on-year volumes were slightly down by 1.2 million cubic meters.
Russia’s current gas exports remain far below their peak levels. Between 2018 and 2019, Russia sent 175 to 180 billion cubic meters (BCM) annually to Europe. In 2024, this dropped to about 32 BCM.
Trade between Europe and Russia remains large, including natural gas, liquefied natural gas (LNG), coal, oil, and uranium. Reports in February 2025 showed the EU bought over $2 billion worth of energy products from Russia. Experts say these exports help fund Russia’s war efforts, especially since countries like China, India, Turkey, and major Arab states continue buying Russian energy.
In 2024, Russian LNG exports increased by 4% to about 47.2 BCM. This made Russia the EU’s second-largest LNG supplier, with exports valued at around €7.3 billion ($7.96 billion). EU Commissioner Dan Jorgensen urged the EU to replace Russian supplies with LNG from the US and other countries. Since the invasion of Ukraine, EU nations have imported €209 billion worth of Russian fuels, effectively financing Moscow’s military actions.
Interestingly, support to cut Russian energy ties may come from US political groups that often clash with the Biden administration. Some US senators, including Republicans and Democrats, are discussing a bill proposing a 500% tariff on countries that buy Russian fossil fuels. This bipartisan Senate bill aims to pressure countries still trading with Russia.
The proposed tariffs would apply to anyone selling or buying Russian oil, natural gas, uranium, or petrochemical products. This includes major European countries that serve as transit hubs for Russian LNG, such as the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Spain, and Portugal. Southern European countries like Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, and Hungary are also targeted because they import Russian gas via Turkstream and crude oil via the Druzhba pipeline.
This bill could force these countries to urgently seek alternative energy sources. European leaders now face growing pressure to act decisively. The war in Ukraine is reshaping Europe’s security and economic future. Cutting off Russian hydrocarbons is necessary both to reduce dependence on Moscow and to strengthen Ukraine’s military position.
Recent drone attacks on Russian air force and naval bases signal potential escalations. Moscow might retaliate by targeting energy infrastructure linked to Europe. Until now, European responses have been slow and ineffective. Now, Brussels and EU leaders must block Russian revenue streams. Doing so will likely raise natural gas prices in Europe. But it will also push Europe to sign new long-term gas contracts with non-Russian suppliers.The time has come for Europe to unite and make real progress in ending its reliance on Russian energy.
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