EU Countries Increase Russian Energy Imports Amid Ongoing Support for Ukraine

Despite the European Union's efforts to reduce dependence on Russian energy, seven member states have increased their imports of Russian oil and gas in 2025. This trend persists even as the EU continues to provide substantial military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict. According to data from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), the EU imported over €11 billion ($12.7 billion) worth of Russian energy in the first eight months of 2025, reflecting a complex and contradictory stance towards Russia.

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The countries that have notably increased their Russian energy imports include France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Croatia, Romania, Portugal, and Hungary. France's imports rose by 40% to approximately €2.2 billion ($2.5 billion), while the Netherlands saw a 72% increase to about €498 million ($579 million). Other countries such as Belgium, Croatia, Romania, and Portugal also reported significant increases, with Portugal's imports surging by 167%. Hungary, which has been criticized for its close ties to Moscow, recorded an 11% increase in imports.

European countries increased purchases of Russian energy in 2025: Reuters named the "leaders"

The continued importation of Russian energy has raised concerns among analysts and critics, who describe the situation as "self-sabotage." Vaibhav Raghunandan, an EU-Russia specialist at CREA, emphasized that these purchases effectively fund Russia's military operations in Ukraine. The revenue generated from these energy sales constitutes a significant portion of Russia's wartime budget, with estimates suggesting that around 40% of the state budget is directed towards military efforts.

How Ukraine’s European Allies Fuel Russia’s War Economy

The French energy ministry clarified that the increase in imports is partly due to France's role as a transit hub for gas being forwarded to other European countries, including Germany. The Dutch government acknowledged its support for EU plans to phase out Russian energy but stated that existing contracts with Russian suppliers could not be voided until new legislation is enacted. The European Commission has announced plans to accelerate the ban on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports to 2027, but until then, payments to Moscow are expected to continue.

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The situation has drawn sharp criticism from international leaders, particularly from former U.S. President Donald Trump. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, Trump condemned European nations for continuing to purchase energy from Russia while simultaneously opposing its actions in Ukraine. He labeled these purchases as "inexcusable" and urged European countries to cease all energy imports from Russia immediately.

How Ukraine’s European Allies Fuel Russia’s War Economy

While the EU has reduced its overall reliance on Russian energy by approximately 90% since 2022, the increase in imports by certain member states raises questions about the effectiveness of the bloc's sanctions and energy policies. The total amount of Russian energy imported by the EU since the invasion of Ukraine has surpassed €213 billion, significantly exceeding the €167 billion allocated to Ukraine in aid.

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The ongoing increase in Russian energy imports by several EU countries highlights a significant contradiction in the bloc's approach to the conflict in Ukraine. As the EU seeks to balance its energy needs with its support for Ukraine, the financial implications of these imports continue to fuel Russia's war efforts, complicating the geopolitical landscape in Europe.

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