Greece warns LNG sanctions could harm its shipping sector amid concerns over Russian hybrid warfare

Athens warned on Tuesday that any European sanctions targeting Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) could severely damage Greece’s shipping industry, which relies heavily on Russian cargoes for a significant share of its fleet’s earnings. The Greek Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy cited recent data showing that more than a third of the nation’s vessels transport Russian LNG, and that abrupt restrictions would jeopardize contracts, increase operational costs and undermine the country’s position as a maritime hub. The government also highlighted that Greece is already grappling with the broader economic fallout of the Ukraine conflict, and that further trade curbs could exacerbate the sector’s vulnerability.

At the same time, officials expressed concern that Moscow’s “hybrid warfare” tactics—ranging from cyber attacks to political pressure on allied states—could intensify if Greece aligns more closely with Western sanctions. The ministry urged the European Union to consider a calibrated approach that balances geopolitical objectives with the practical realities of the Greek shipping market, emphasizing the need for coordinated measures that mitigate collateral damage while maintaining pressure on Russia.