• The EU seeks to bring forward its ban on Russian LNG imports to January 2027.
• This initiative is part of a 19th package of sanctions targeting Moscow’s energy revenues.
• Pressure from US President Donald Trump has influenced the EU's decision-making process.
• Hungary and Slovakia pose potential obstacles to the sanctions due to their continued reliance on Russian energy.
• The EU's measures also include targeting oil traders and banks in third countries, primarily affecting China and India.

The European Union (EU) is expediting its ban on liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from Russia, with a new proposed deadline of January 2027. This adjustment is part of the EU's 19th sanctions package aimed at diminishing Moscow's financial capabilities amidst its ongoing military conflict in Ukraine. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated, "It is time to turn off the tap," emphasizing the need to cut off revenues that sustain Russia's war economy according to Indiatimes and SCMP.

This significant policy shift comes on the heels of recent pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has urged European nations to act decisively against Russian energy dependencies. The EU had initially planned the phase-out by the end of 2028, highlighting how international diplomatic engagements influence the timeline for sanctions, as reiterated by von der Leyen's remarks on the urgent need for action according to CBS News and Channel News Asia.

However, the EU’s consensus-based decision-making structure means that the proposal must receive unanimous approval from all 27 member states. Notably, countries such as Hungary and Slovakia have shown reluctance to end their Russian energy imports, potentially complicating the sanctions' implementation, as noted in discussions surrounding previous sanctions packages according to Reuters and Indiatimes.

In addition to the LNG import ban, the new sanctions package is expected to target the Russian shadow fleet and specific financial entities in third countries, particularly in China and India. Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief, has expressed a commitment to retaliating against those who undermine existing sanctions, emphasizing that these new measures are part of a broader strategy to stifle Russia's revenue sources during its military operations, as reported by multiple sources including Al Jazeera and CBS News.