France, Aug. 9 -- Shipments of Russian liquified natural gas (LNG) to France more than doubled the first half of this year, fresh analyses of trade data shows. It comes as Europe seeks to pull back from energy purchases that help finance the Kremlin's invasion of Ukraine.

Europe has restricted oil imports from Russia, but natural gas is still allowed. And while companies in France are importing the most, one analysis found that EU countries overall imported 7 percent more Russian LNGin the first half of this year compared to the same period a year ago.

The natural gas is chilled and liquified for easier ocean transport.

Oleh Savytskyi, a founder of nonprofit Razom We Stand, which campaigns for tougher sanctions on Russian fossil fuels,...