Putin suggested that it might be more convenient for Russia to halt deliveries now rather than wait until 2027, when the European Union plans to phase out Russian gas completely.
Putin instructs government to consider halting gas exports to Europe pic.twitter.com/FbOO4OvJmk
— RBC-Ukraine (@NewsUkraineRBC) March 4, 2026
“Maybe it’s more profitable for us to stop supplying the European market right now? Enter markets that are opening up and secure our position there? There’s no political motive here. If they impose restrictions in a month or two anyway, wouldn’t it be better to stop ourselves now?” Putin declared.
He added that he intfinishs to instruct the Russian government to work on this issue with the counattempt’s energy companies.
EU”s phase-out of Russian gas
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, energy depfinishence on Moscow has been a key challenge for the EU, prompting the gradual displacement of Russian energy resources from the European market.
In December 2025, representatives of the European Council and European Parliament reached a preliminary agreement to fully finish imports of Russian natural gas by 2027. On December 17, the European Parliament approved the EU’s plan to phase out gas purchases from Russia by the finish of 2027.
Brussels has also stated that it does not intfinish to return to Russian energy even after the war finishs.
At the finish of January, the Council of the European Union formally approved a complete ban on Russian liquefied natural gas to EU countries from January 1, 2027, and on pipeline gas from September 30, 2027.
Meanwhile, the United States has announced it is ready to quickly replace all Russian gas and oil supplied to Europe with its own energy resources if requireded.
Additionally, Norwegian Energy Minister Terje Aasland believes that the war in Iran could affect EU energy stability and intensify discussions about a full ban on Russian gas imports.
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