Description: Ten EU member countries have urged on further sanctions and immediate imposition on Russian liquified natural gas (LNG). Countries from the Baltic bloc raised concerns since the main source of Russia’s war chest came from gas exports to Europe and other regions, both legally and illegally. Several measures have been considered, such as elevated levels of port inspections, seizure of crypto assets and sanctioning financial institutions.
Impact: Russia’s constant adaptation towards Western sanctions has been proven to be difficult to counter. EU’s dependance on Russian natural resources is expected to continue if and whether alternative and equally cost – effective suppliers aren’t found. Russia would continue to leverage its almost monopolized position in the natural resources market and not exempt countries on a global level to their natural gas streamline. Strengthening their position in the war with Ukraine would be an obvious result from the obtained trade capital benefits if both the EU and the US don’t find effective countermeasures against Russia’s natural gas trading capabilities.