09.08.2026 The European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen called for cutting off all sources of funding for Russia. She wrote about it on the social media platform X.
Coming on the back of the EU’s 21st package, I welcome the US Senate’s adoption of the Graham Bill.
It honours a fierce believer in the power of coordinated sanctions to weaken Russia's war machine.
From Russian oligarchs to energy exports and the shadow fleet, every source of…
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) August 7, 2026
Von der Leyen welcomed the Graham Act, passed by the US Senate, which follows the 21st round of sanctions. She stated that coordinated measures should target all sources of Russia’s income.
Tough and complementary sanctions by Europe and the US, according to the EC President, can demonstrate what our historical partners are capable of when acting together.
What is included in the 21st round of EU sanctions against Russia?
Politics / International Relations
On July 28, a group of US senators agreed on a bill to expand sanctions against Russia and Iran. It authorizes US President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on the largest buyers of Russian oil and gas, as well as intermediary countries that facilitate the circumvention of the restrictions. On July 30, the US Senate passed the bill on a second vote.
On July 23, the European Union approved the 21st package of restrictive measures against Russia, adding 170 organizations and 48 individuals to its sanctions list.
The European Union will ban all imports of Russian gas from January 1, 2027.
Nowadays the share of Russian gas in EU imports has fallen to around 12% (2025-2026), compared to 45% in 2021. Subseuqently Europe is replacing a historic continental dependence on Russian resources with an Atlantic dependence on the United States, with U.S. LNG becoming the new pillar of supply. The United States supplies roughly 57% to 60% of Europe’s total liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports, making the U.S. by far the continent’s largest single gas supplier. Projections indicate that U.S. market share could climb to roughly 65% or higher.
U.S. LNG imports to Europe expanded dramatically to fill the supply deficit left by declining Russian pipeline deliveries, which fell from supplying roughly 40% of EU gas down to single digits.
The LNG costs more to liquefy, ship, and regasify than Russian pipeline gas, raising baseline energy expenses for businesses and homes. The EU becomes exposed to market volatility, while connecting European consumers directly to fast-moving global gas spot markets and competition from Asian buyers.
Abandoniing Russia gaz dependency the EU creates a heavy reliance on U.S. political and export decisions.
