TotalEnergies, which has come under harsh criticism for pursuing its activities in Russia, said it was "its duty" to continue providing gas to supply Europe. The group said it has long-term contracts for the purchase of liquefied natural gas that it must fulfil given it does not fall under sanctions from the European Union. In March, TotalEnergies announced it would "gradually suspend" its operations in Russia. The French group said it "firmly condemns" Russia's military aggression against Ukraine. Dozens of foreign multinational corporations have curtailed operations in Russia, amid sanctions imposed by the U.S. and its Western allies.