West spends three times more on Russian fuel exports than on aid to Ukraine — BBC
Russia earns three times more from the West in fuel payments than Ukraine gets in aid (Getty Images)
Since the start of the full-scale war, Russia has earned three times more from energy exports than Ukraine has received in aid from its allies, according to the BBC.
It is noted that revenues from oil and gas sales are crucial for supporting Russia's military machine. Energy exports account for nearly one-third of Russia's state revenues and more than 60% of its total exports.
Since the start of the full-scale war, Kyiv's allies have imposed a series of sanctions against Russia. In particular, the United States and the United Kingdom banned Russian oil and gas imports, while the European Union banned seaborne crude oil imports from Russia but did not ban gas imports.
However, data from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) show that from February 24, 2022, to May 29, 2025, Russia earned over €883 billion from fossil fuel sales.
Of this amount, €228 billion came from countries that imposed sanctions, with the majority — €208 billion — from EU member states.
European countries continued direct imports of Russian gas via pipeline until January 1, 2025, when Ukraine banned transit through its territory. Meanwhile, Russian oil continues to be supplied by pipeline to Hungary and Slovakia.
Russian gas supplies to Europe have been increasing via Türkiye. According to CREA, sales volumes rose by 26.77% in January and February 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
Hungary and Slovakia also continue to receive Russian gas through the Turkish pipeline.
Despite Western efforts, Russia's revenue from energy exports fell by only 5% in 2024 compared to 2023, and export volumes decreased by just 6%. Meanwhile, revenues from pipeline gas sales increased by 9% year-on-year.
The EU admits that it has yet to apply the strictest sanctions on Russian oil and gas, as some bloc countries fear escalation of the war and because purchasing energy from Russia is cheaper in the short term.
Consequently, the EU's new 17th sanctions package against Russia did not include restrictions on Russian LNG imports but adopted a roadmap to completely end gas imports from Russia by the end of 2027.
In addition to continuing direct energy sales, some Russian oil reaches the West after being processed into fuel products in third countries. Sometimes Russian oil is simply blended with crude from other countries.
According to CREA, they identified three refineries in Türkiye and three in India where Russian oil is processed and the resulting fuel products are sold to countries that imposed sanctions on Russia. These refineries are estimated to have purchased €6.1 billion worth of Russian oil for fuel production and resale.
Recall that earlier media reports indicated that the EU's new sanctions package against Russia has so far had limited impact. Therefore, in 2025, Russia may earn more from exporting raw materials and energy to the European Union than the EU spends on military aid to Ukraine.
