In June 2026, EU imports of Russian LNG were 14% higher than a year earlier, and member states bought Russian gas for nearly EUR 1 billion.

Omissions

• The 14% year-on-year figure is confirmed only by a single independent research source (CREA); no Eurostat or other official statistical source publishing this specific comparison was found.
• The same CREA data shows that EU imports of Russian LNG actually fell 5% month-on-month in June 2026, context the speaker omits while stressing the year-on-year rise.
• The 'nearly EUR 1 billion' value for Russian gas purchases in June 2026 is not confirmed by any source located; the closest published figure is EUR 1.7 billion paid by the five largest EU importers for ALL Russian fossil fuels combined in June 2026, which is a different metric and scope.
• Context: EU imports of Russian LNG reached a record high in the first half of 2026 (roughly 20% up year-on-year), despite the EU's adopted ban on short-term Russian LNG contracts applying from 25 April 2026 — which is the point the speaker is making.
• Data on June 2026 was published by CREA in its July 2026 monthly analysis, i.e. before the session date of 20 October 2026.

Sources

• SecondaryCentre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) — June 2026 Monthly Analysis of Russian Fossil Fuel Exports and Sanctions"In June, the EU's imports of Russian LNG dropped a mere 5% month-on-month; however, they remained 14% above June 2025 levels." Also: "In June 2026, the five largest EU importers of Russian fossil fuels paid Russia a combined EUR 1.7 bn."
• SecondaryEuropean Gas Hub — Russian LNG imports into the EU hit record high in H1 2026"Russia's LNG exports to the European Union surged by a staggering 50% in H1 2026 compared to H2 2025 and grew by almost 20% on the year."