The European Union’s chief of foreign affairs admitted to sending almost €1billion to Russia each day for energy since the war in Ukraine began. The EU has also given aid to Ukraine, but a significantly lesser amount than what Russia has been given.
“We have given Ukraine 1 billion euros… but a billion euros is what we pay Putin every day for the energy he provides us” the EU’s top diplomat said, reported by the Daily Mail. “We have to continue arming Ukraine… More weapons that is what the Ukrainians expect of us.”
The 27 state-strong union has paid Russia around €35bn since the start of the conflict in Ukraine on Feb 24, according to Borrell.
With the conflict now into its 41st day, this means that roughly €850million has been funneled into Putin’s coffers from Europe each day since Russian tanks rolled across the border.
The EU has condemned the invasion of Ukraine and has already implemented several rounds of sanctions designed to cripple the Kremlin’s finances, but some countries are scrambling to establish alternative energy supplies amid a heavy dependence on Russian resources, particularly liquified natural gas (LNG).
European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen told parliament they are planning to impose more sanctions against Russia. “So far, Europe had not been willing to target Russian energy over fears that it would plunge the European economy into recession, but the recent reports of mass civilian killings have increased pressure for tougher sanctions.”
In March alone, the European countries imported 7.1 million tons of thermal coal. “March 28-April 1 saw the highest levels of Russian thermal coal imports since the Feb. 24 invasion began, with 887,000 tonnes imported into the EU” reports Daily Mail.