South Korea considers British sanctions against Russia a threat to its energy security

The sanctions imposed by the UK against the export of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) could undermine the energy security of the Republic of Korea. This was announced on August 6 by Ye Han Gu, head of the trade negotiations headquarters at the country's Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Seoul reported that he Yo Han Gu held talks with British Trade Minister Anas Sarwar, who was recently appointed to his post. During the conversation, the representative of South Korea expressed concern about the energy security and stability of LNG supplies under existing contracts. The measures will take effect from January 2027.

"Our side expressed concern <...> against the background of a complete ban in the UK on the provision of services such as insurance and sea transportation in relation to Russian liquefied natural gas," Yonhap news agency quoted the statement.

The Korean side also added that the European Union (EU) has made an exception for the Republic of Korea by adopting the 21st package of sanctions against the Russian Federation.

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The growing resistance of European capitals prevents Brussels from agreeing on restrictions against the Russian Federation

The representative of the European Commission (EC), Anna-Kaisa Itkonen, said on August 4 that EC members were continuing to work on a proposal for a complete ban on the import of Russian electricity into the EU and would submit it in due course. She noted that Russian oil is already under sanctions, but an exception has been made for Slovakia and Hungary.

In turn, Zhou Mi, an expert at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, warned on July 25 that China would take retaliatory measures after including its companies in the 21st package of EU sanctions against Russia. The expert noted that Beijing intends to protect their legitimate rights and interests.