China is becoming increasingly important to Russia’s sanctioned liquefied natural gas exports. In a recent Foreign Policy article, Petras Katinas examines how Moscow is building new LNG routes toward Asia. He argues that Chinese infrastructure is helping Russia develop a more sanctions-resistant energy trading system. The shift could accelerate as Europe moves to end Russian LNG imports after 2027.
Petras Katinas on Russia’s LNG Shadow Fleet
Petras Katinas, non-resident Research Fellow at the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE) and Research Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), highlights China’s growing role as a destination for sanctioned Russian LNG. Between August 2025 and June 2026, China’s Beihai terminal received more than 40 cargoes from sanctioned Russian LNG projects. Katinas describes China as an “indispensable lifeline” for these exports. He also points to Russia’s expanding LNG shadow fleet and increasingly sophisticated maritime logistics.
How Sanctions Could Target Russian LNG Supply Chains
The article argues that stronger sanctions must address both shipping and the infrastructure supporting Russian LNG trade. Russia’s fleet transporting sanctioned LNG has expanded from nine identified vessels in 2024 to 23. Katinas calls for renewed U.S. vessel designations and stronger scrutiny of LNG carrier sales, financing, and insurance. He also identifies China’s state-owned PipeChina as a potential point of leverage. The company operates both Beihai and Longkou, terminals linked to current or expected sanctioned Russian LNG deliveries. Katinas argues that sanctions targeting this infrastructure could increase risks for international companies working with PipeChina. Such measures could also face countermeasures from Beijing.
Read Petras Katinas’s Full Analysis in Foreign Policy
To explore the full analysis and Petras Katinas’s recommendations on Russian LNG sanctions, read the complete article in Foreign Policy. The article examines how Washington could respond as Russia becomes more dependent on Asian LNG markets. It also considers how expanding U.S. LNG exports could strengthen sanctions policy and limit Russian energy revenues.
Further Reading: Sanctions on Russia and Russian Economic Retaliation
For further analysis, visit our Sanctions on Russia & Russian Economic Retaliation web portal. The portal brings together data, research, and expert analysis on Russia sanctions and Moscow’s responses.
Explore the Sanctions Timeline for a chronological overview of Western sanctions and Russian countermeasures. Users can examine measures by date, country, and sector.
The Evidence Base features the latest publications and research reports on sanctions, their effectiveness, and their broader policy impact.
For more insights from Petras Katinas and our team of experts, visit Media Highlights for the latest expert commentary in international media.
