EU to spend more on Russian energy than on Ukraine's defense
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Despite 17 packages of EU sanctions, Russia is expected to receive approximately $233 billion from the export of raw materials and energy in 2025, Bild reported on May 27.
More than $20 billion will come from EU countries.
"This is, for example, several times more than Europe spends on military aid to Ukraine," the publication noted.
Trade with Russia not only continues — it's scale is massive. The Kremlin receives revenue from the export of coal, oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and uranium. China, Turkiye, and India are the main buyers, but the European Union also plays a significant role, Bild stressed. Journalists pointed out that just in February this year, the EU purchased Russian gas, oil, and uranium worth more than $2 billion.
This revenue allows Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to allocate 6.3% of Russia's GDP to the military-industrial complex. Journalists highlighted that this amounts to about 40% of Russia’s state budget.
"Russia's war machine is thriving on export revenues, including from the EU," the publication concluded.
"Sanctions do not hinder key deals: there are no restrictions on supplies to China, India, and Turkiye, so the Kremlin still has the resources to continue the war."
In 2024, Russia increased its LNG exports by 4% — to 47.2 billion cubic meters.
As a result, Russia became the EU’s second-largest LNG supplier that year, with revenues of about €7.3 billion ( $7.96 billion) from these exports.
In February 2025, EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen said the EU will seek to increase gas purchases from other countries, including the US, to replace Russian supplies.
On May 20, the EU approved its 17th sanctions package against Russia, targeting nearly 200 ships in its shadow fleet.
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