MOSCOW, March 20 (Reuters) - Russia will shift completely towards growing new markets for its liquefied natural gas if they prove attractive, the Kremlin said on Friday, adding that the European Union
Kremlin says EU's LNG plan is self-defeating, Russia will find new markets
Russia Responds to EU's LNG Import Ban Plans
Kremlin Criticizes EU Policy
MOSCOW, March 20 (Reuters) - The Kremlin said on Friday that the European Union was harming its own interests by sticking to a plan to end imports of Russian liquefied natural gas by the end of the year, and Russia would switch to new markets for its LNG and other energy exports.
EU's Commitment to Halting Russian LNG Imports
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said earlier that the bloc was committed to its "clear targets" on halting Russian LNG imports, rejecting the idea it might revise them because of rising energy costs due to the war in the Middle East.
Kremlin's Reaction and Alternative Markets
Asked about her remarks, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia could find alternative buyers.
Focus on New and Growing Markets
"Russia must and will do what best serves its interests and advantage. And if it is recognised that alternative markets, new growing markets that very much need energy resources - gas, LNG, oil and petroleum products - if these markets are more attractive, then, of course, there will be a complete focus on these markets," he said.
"The Europeans continue to shoot themselves in the foot, or rather, shoot their voters in the foot."
Background: EU-Russia Energy Relations
Changes in Gas Imports Since Ukraine War
Before the Ukraine war, Europe was buying more than 40% of its gas from Russia, but combined sales of pipeline gas and LNG from Russia accounted for only 13% of total EU imports in 2025.
Future of Russian Energy Exports to Europe
The EU plans to stop Russian LNG imports by the end of 2026 and pipeline gas imports by September 30, 2027. But President Vladimir Putin suggested earlier this month that Russia might pre-empt that by cutting those exports off now.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Anastasia Lyrchikova; Writing by Mark Trevelyan; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
