EU buys €11B Russian energy in 2025 despite Ukraine stance
European nations bought more than 11 billion euros’ worth of Russian energy in the first eight months of 2025 despite public support for Ukraine. France increased purchases by 40 percent to reach 2.2 billion euros, while the Netherlands raised imports by 72 percent to 498 million euros. Belgium, Croatia, Romania, Portugal, and Hungary also expanded their Russian energy acquisitions as liquefied natural gas shipments entered terminals and moved through existing pipelines. The continued trade funnels revenue to Moscow’s military operations.
European Union members paid Russia over 213 billion euros for energy since the February 2022 invasion began. Fossil fuel imports exceeded 18.7 billion euros in 2024 and surpassed direct financial assistance sent to Kyiv. Russia remains the bloc’s top fertilizer supplier with its market share climbing from 28 percent in early 2021 to 34 percent by mid-2025. Analysis shows the economic relationship undermines sanctions designed to limit Moscow’s ability to finance its campaign.
