Members of the European Parliament clashed during a heated debate over proposals to ban Russian energy imports, with critics condemning the move as a “triumph of hypocrisy” carried out at the expense of EU citizens.br br Several lawmakers argued that replacing cheaper Russian gas with increased dependence on liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States would drive up energy costs and deepen Europe’s reliance on external suppliers. They described the strategy as economically damaging and politically contradictory, warning that ordinary consumers and industries would bear the burden.br br Supporters of the proposed ban defended the policy as a necessary step to reduce Moscow’s revenues and strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy following Russia’s war in Ukraine. However, opponents countered that the shift risks undermining competitiveness while offering limited energy security benefits.