Despite the loud criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding his possible concessions to Russia, leading European countries continue to purchase Russian energy resources, effectively supporting the economy of the Russian Federation amid the full-scale war against Ukraine. In particular, France became the third largest buyer of Russian energy resources in Europe in August 2025. Meanwhile, the European Union is only planning to completely ban the import of Russian gas, and that is not until 2027.
This is reported by Finway
Increase in Imports Through India and Blocking of Frozen Assets
European countries are actively replenishing their stocks of petroleum products by purchasing them from India. Often overlooked is the fact that a significant portion of these products is made from Russian oil. Over the past nine months, imports of petroleum products from Indian refineries have increased by 20%. At the same time, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever is still blocking the use of 140 billion euros in frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine.
“Europe sees the splinter in Trump’s eye but does not notice the log in its own,” the publication summarizes, emphasizing that official statements about “unwavering solidarity” with Ukraine are often not backed by real actions.
Imbalance in Aid to Ukraine and Payments for Russian Resources
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau released data on EU spending for aid to Ukraine and the purchase of Russian energy resources. From February 2022 to January 2025, EU countries provided Ukraine with aid amounting to 49 billion dollars. However, only five out of 24 European countries – the United Kingdom, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Switzerland – saw the volume of support for Ukraine exceed payments for Russian oil and gas.
Additionally, Hungary and Slovakia have opposed the EU’s plan for a gradual phase-out of Russian energy resources and plan to appeal to the European Court to have it overturned. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto is convinced that such a ban could lead to unstable energy supply and significant price increases in these countries.