Hungary, Slovakia, France and Belgium are among the largest buyers of Russian energy.

Omissions

• The ranking is based on a single month (July 2026) and on the value of fossil-fuel imports, not on physical volumes; rankings can vary by month and by energy carrier.
• Hungary and Slovakia are primarily buyers of Russian pipeline gas and crude oil, while France and Belgium are primarily buyers of Russian LNG; the claim does not distinguish between these categories.
• Some LNG imported into Belgium and France may be re-exported or transshipped rather than consumed domestically.
• Overall EU imports of Russian fossil fuels have fallen sharply since 2022, even though several member states remain significant buyers.

Sources

• SecondaryCentre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) — July 2026 monthly analysisIn July, Hungary was the EU's largest buyer, importing EUR 486 mn of Russian fossil fuels, largely comprising pipeline gas (62%).
• SecondaryB4Ukraine — Russian oil and gas July 2026 snapshotHungary was the EU's largest buyer, importing €486 million worth of Russian fossil fuels. Slovakia ranked second (€299 million), followed by Belgium and France.
• SecondaryStrategic Perspectives — EU Gas InsightFrance, Belgium and Spain accounted for close to 90% of all EU LNG imports from Russia.