Despite efforts to reduce reliance on Russian energy, the EU paid approximately €7.88 billion for liquefied natural gas from Russia's Arctic project in the first nine months of 2026. The data reveals a record import of 12.18 million tonnes of LNG, highlighting the challenges in phasing out Russian energy. Urgewald calls for stronger sanctions to close loopholes that allow continued imports, especially as the US prepares to impose its own sanctions on Russian LNG deliveries.