Kremlin warns EU of loss of competitiveness after Russian gas ban

The Kremlin condemned Wednesday's decision by the European Union to phase out Russian gas imports by 2027, a move Moscow says will destroy Europe's competitiveness and bring higher prices for consumers.

The EU deal includes a legally binding ban on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) and pipeline gas. The full ban should start to apply from the end of 2026 or autumn 2027.

Russia accounted for 12 percent of EU gas imports in October 2025, a significant drop from 45 percent before the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022.

The EU's decision comes at a time when Brussels is trying to completely wean itself off energy dependence on Russia.

(reuters)