Despite plans to completely phase out Russian gas, the European Union imported a record 9.89 million tonnes of LNG from Russia's Yamal project during the first half of 2026, according to the Financial Times. France, Belgium and Spain emerged as the biggest buyers even as the bloc prepares to ban long-term Russian LNG imports from January 2027. The figures have reignited debate over Europe's energy dependence and whether LNG purchases continue to support Russia's export revenues during the Ukraine war. Can Europe truly break free from Russian energy?
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