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Sweden's Foreign Minister Slams EU Energy Payments to Russia

11/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Maria Malmer Stenergard, Sweden's foreign minister, called the EU's energy payments to Russia a "disgrace" and cited a $142 billion gap.
She urged stronger Ukraine support and sustained pressure on Moscow.
The European Union is considering sanctions on Russia's "shadow fleet" of tankers.
The agenda also includes concerns about hybrid attacks attributed to Russia.

History

Historical Context

The European Union's energy payments to Russia reached approximately $142 billion in 2022, reflecting a long-standing dependency where Russia supplied 40% of the EU's gas. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the EU initiated plans to reduce reliance on Russian fossil fuels by two-thirds within a year, marking a significant shift towards energy independence and security.

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Story summary

Maria Malmer Stenergard, Sweden's foreign minister, called the EU's energy payments to Russia a "disgrace" and cited a $142 billion gap.
She urged stronger Ukraine support and sustained pressure on Moscow.
The European Union is considering sanctions on Russia's "shadow fleet" of tankers.
The agenda also includes concerns about hybrid attacks attributed to Russia.

1 / 2