Berlin is set to host the World LNG Summit next week (9-12 December), bringing together major energy players, including Russian gas giant Novatek and Belgian company Fluxys—key enablers of Russian LNG reaching European markets, including Germany. Ukrainian climate and energy campaign group Razom We Stand is calling out the hypocrisy of welcoming these companies to a summit in a nation that claims solidarity with Ukraine while indirectly funding Russian aggression by continuing to import Russian gas.
Despite public commitments to end reliance on Russian gas, Germany continues to import Russian LNG through transit terminals in neighbouring countries. Research shows that up to 6% of Germany’s 2023 gas consumption originated from Russian LNG, directly undermining European energy security and funding Putin’s war in Ukraine. German state energy firm SEFE continues to import Arctic Russian LNG under long-term contracts. This gas lands in France, is regasified, transported across Europe, and flows into Germany through Europe’s interconnected pipeline network. Data shows that Russian LNG has been flowing to Germany from France since October 2022.
Since the invasion began, Russian fossil fuel sales to Europe have generated over €207 billion, funding the Kremlin’s war machine and prolonging the suffering of tens of thousands of Ukrainians.
Svitlana Romanko, Founder and Executive Director of Razom We Stand: “The World LNG Summit in Berlin casts a grim spotlight on Germany’s lingering ties to Russian liquefied natural gas, ties that directly undermine its declarations of solidarity with Ukraine. While tens of thousands of casualties have been suffered in Ukraine due to Russia’s war, Germany continues to indirectly fund this brutality through Russian LNG flowing in via neighbouring countries. Despite EU gas storage levels being over 90% full and Germany’s impressive strides in renewable energy, German state energy firms like SEFE persist in collaborating on long-term LNG contracts with Russian companies like Novatek, whose representatives, unbelievably, are openly welcomed at this summit in Berlin. The solutions are clear: fully embargo Russian LNG, accelerate the renewable energy transition, and honour Germany’s role as a global climate and security leader. Anything less is a betrayal of Germany’s own democratic values.”
Razom We Stand recently launched a campaign urging Germany to ban Russian LNG imports entirely by the end of 2024. The campaign inspired 116 supporters to send 465 letters to Chancellor Olaf Scholz and top political leaders, amplifying the call for action and showing the huge demand for Germany to ban Russian LNG once and for all.
When asked how it feels to know Germany is still importing Russian fossil fuels, Maria, originally from Odesa but now residing in Leipzig, said: “It’s heartbreaking and deeply disappointing. What we need isn’t just concern; we need real, functional support. I hold on to the hope that one day the international community will truly step up and provide us with genuine help.”
Germany has already achieved remarkable progress in its energy transition. By the end of 2023, 65% of its net electricity production came from renewable energy sources, and EU gas storage facilities are over 95% full, ensuring energy security for the winter. Experts agree that Germany and the EU can entirely phase out Russian LNG through increased renewable energy production, energy efficiency, and alternatives. Renewable energy is already cheaper than traditional fossil fuels, meaning a transition away from LNG can be economically advantageous and create jobs.
As Germany faces political uncertainty following the collapse of its three-party coalition recently, the nation stands at a critical crossroads. It must resist slipping into far-right, pro-Putin traps that would compromise both its democratic values and its commitment to global security.
The World LNG Summit offers Germany an opportunity to match words with actions. Hosting Russian energy firms at such a high-profile event sends the wrong message: that profits are valued over principles. Razom We Stand urges German leaders to take decisive action by banning Russian LNG imports outright, accelerating renewable energy adoption, and aligning with global commitments to peace and climate security.
ENDS
Razom We Stand is an international campaign group based in Ukraine. We are dedicated to ending Russian fossil fuel-funded conflicts and climate chaos while driving a clean energy revolution in Ukraine and around the globe.
Dr Svitlana Romanko will be in Berlin from the 7-11 Decemeber, if you would like to interview her please contact [email protected]
