EU imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) rose sharply in early 2026. In a recent EFN article, experts examined how Middle East instability is reshaping global energy flows and increasing Europe’s reliance on Russian gas.
Torbjörn Becker, Director of the Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics (SITE) at the Stockholm School of Economics, told EFN that “the balance has shifted to Russia’s advantage.” He warned that Europe must weigh energy needs against the money flowing into Russia’s state budget.
Becker argued that Europe should treat Russian gas purchases as an emergency measure. He also linked the issue to Ukraine’s financing needs. In his view, frozen Russian assets should be directed to Ukraine more quickly and without new political veto points.
The article also discussed Yamal LNG, global energy prices, and Hungary’s opposition to using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine. To explore the full analysis and Torbjörn Becker’s insights, read the complete article in EFN. For more expert analysis from SITE, visit Insights.
Further Reading on Sanctions against Russia
Reducing Russia’s ability to finance its war against Ukraine requires a comprehensive sanctions strategy built on four key pillars.
- First, limiting energy exports remains the top priority. Oil and gas revenues are central to Russia’s fiscal stability and continue to fund its war effort.
- Second, restricting access to critical materials, components, and advanced technologies can disrupt weapons production and weaken military capacity.
- Third, broader trade and financial sanctions reduce efficiency across the Russian economy and limit access to global markets.
- Finally, targeted measures such as travel bans and airspace restrictions serve symbolic and political purposes, while also shaping public perception and increasing international pressure on the Kremlin.
Explore the latest research on Russia sanctions in the Sanctions Portal Evidence Base. For a detailed overview of Western sanctions and Russia’s countermeasures since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, visit the Timeline of Western Sanctions and Russian Countermeasures.
Further Analysis: Seizing Russian State Assets
For additional expert analysis, see the policy brief “Seizing Russian State Assets,” which examines legal and economic options for mobilizing frozen Russian reserves to support Ukraine’s recovery and defense.
The policy brief argues that mobilizing frozen Russian sovereign assets could provide a significant and timely source of funding for Ukraine, but it must be done within a clear legal and institutional framework.
Author Anders Olofsgård, Associate Professor at the Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics (SITE), highlights that while asset seizure raises complex questions under international law, there are credible pathways to transfer or leverage these funds without undermining financial stability.
