France becomes the largest importer of Russian gas despite its support for Ukraine
On Monday, an independent research center issued a report referring in particular to France, which increased its import of Russian fossil energy, to become the largest importer of Russian liquefied natural gas, during the first 100 days of the invasion of Ukraine, "in contradiction to Paris' support for Kyiv in its war."
The report of the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air, based in Finland, stated that Russia generated revenue of 93 billion euros from exports of fossil energy, mainly to the European Union.
The report came at a time when Ukraine is urging the West to stop energy imports from Russia to deprive the Kremlin of a source of funding for its war on it.
The first source of revenue for Russia is crude oil (46 billion), followed by gas exported through pipelines (24 billion), then oil derivatives, liquefied natural gas, and finally coal.
According to the center, countries including France, China, India and the UAE have increased their purchases from Russia, and in return, some countries such as Poland, Finland and the Baltic states have made great efforts to reduce their imports.
"While the European Union is considering tightening sanctions against Russia, France has increased its imports to become the largest importer of Russian liquefied natural gas in the world," said Lauri Myllyvirta, an analyst at the center, who co-authored the report.
The expert explained that the purchases are made in cash and not in the framework of long-term contracts, which means that France deliberately decided to supply Russian energy despite the invasion of Ukraine.
"France's actions must match its words: if it really supports Ukraine, it must immediately impose a ban on Russia's fossil energy sources, and rapidly develop clean energies and energy-efficient solutions," he added.
According to the report, the European Union accounted for 61 percent of Russia's fossil energy exports, approximately 57 billion euros, during the first 100 days of Russia's invasion of Ukraine between February 24 and June 3.
The major importing countries were China (12.6 billion euros), Germany (12.1 billion) and Italy (7.6 billion).
The European Union recently approved a gradual ban on its imports of Russian oil, with some exceptions.
At present, the ban does not include the gas on which the conglomerate depends.
The report's figures indicate that Russia's revenues were not interrupted even with the decline in exports in May, and although Russia is forced to sell its production at discounted prices in international markets, it has benefited from high energy prices in the world.
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