Russia announced on October 13 that European Union countries have purchased more than $320 billion worth of its hydrocarbons since the onset of the war in Ukraine in 2022. The statement from Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak emphasized that this figure includes $21.3 billion in sales during the first nine months of 2026 alone.
Novak pointed out that despite the sanctions imposed on Russia, energy deliveries have continued to flow in areas where exemptions have been granted. He projected that Russian oil exports could return to pre-war levels by year-end.
The declaration has heightened tensions within the EU, with Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard criticizing the reliance on Russian energy. She contrasted the reported sales with the €218.7 billion (roughly $244 billion) the EU has provided to Ukraine since the war began, suggesting that utilizing frozen Russian assets could significantly increase support for Kyiv.
The EU has imposed numerous sanctions on Russia; however, some member states, including France, continue to import hydrocarbons, prominently liquefied natural gas (LNG). Landlocked nations like Slovakia and Hungary also benefit from exemptions allowing pipeline-based purchases.
Additionally, the situation is complicated by indirect Russian oil sales to Europe via countries like India and Turkey, which have ramped up their crude oil imports from Russia since 2022.
Recent public outcry against a US agreement to import Russian diesel further illustrates the complicated geopolitical landscape. In a response, US President Donald Trump criticized European dependence on Russian energy, claiming the media downplays the substantial payments the EU has made to Russia for energy resources.
