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EU Softens Russia Sanctions Amid Fears of China Acquiring Key LNG Assets

The EU has modified its latest sanctions on Russia, allowing continued transport of Russian LNG to avoid Chinese asset acquisition.

Editorial Desk

July 23, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Brussels, Belgium — The European Union has moderated its latest sanctions against Russia, driven by concerns that prohibiting Greek companies from transporting Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) to third countries could result in China acquiring strategically vital shipping assets.

To circumvent a Greek veto against the 21st package of measures designed to weaken Russia’s war capabilities, EU member states have agreed to permit EU operators to continue transporting Russian LNG to third countries for a period of one year.

Officials clarified that the decision was influenced by the potential for China to gain control over key shipping assets if Greek companies were barred from transporting Russian gas. This concession aims to balance the EU’s economic interests with its geopolitical objectives.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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