Lithuanian Foreign Ministry outlines how EU can end dependence on Russian gas

This was stated by Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys in an interview with Radio Liberty.

The diplomat urged Europe to stop importing Russian gas, oil, and especially liquefied natural gas (LNG), which are the main sources of revenue for Russia’s war machine.

Budrys noted that the EU already has a plan for a gradual phase-out of Russian energy imports, as well as options to receive alternative gas supplies from the United States.

“First, the European Commission has already prepared a plan that calls for a gradual end to dependence on Russian exports. Second, we can still rely on positive cooperation between the US and Europe to secure alternative sources of natural gas for Europe,” he said.

As an example, Budrys pointed to Lithuania, which was the first EU country to completely stop importing Russian LNG.

“It worked for us. Alternatives exist, and the international market can handle this. We know the US has extra export capacity, and we must use it. Now is the time to act and strengthen cooperation between the US and the European Union,” Budrys said.

“We must keep moving forward so we don’t end up weakened and forced to accept what Putin demands due to a lack of tools,” he added.

• The U.S. and Russia are holding negotiations about the possible resumption of Russian gas supplies to Europe, which were significantly reduced after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.