As the war in Ukraine enters its fifth year, Russia continues to maintain commercial ties with the European Union despite mounting pressure to close the remaining gaps in the bloc’s sanctions regime.
Russia exported goods worth 7.7 billion euros ($9.0 billion) to the EU in the first four months of 2026, according to the latest Eurostat data.
Although trade has fallen sharply from pre-war levels, Russia continues to supply the bloc with energy, metals and other industrial goods through exemptions and sectors that have so far avoided the toughest restrictions.
Energy still accounts for the largest share of Russia-EU trade, led by liquefied natural gas, followed by oil and petroleum products.
Those commercial ties are gradually shrinking as sanctions take effect.
