Czechia spends five times more on Russian energy than Ukraine aid, report reveals

A new report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) has exposed that the Czech Republic has spent five times more on Russian oil and gas than on aid to Ukraine since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

According to the research, released on 14 October 2024, the Czech Republic has sent €7 billion to the Kremlin via fossil fuel purchases, compared to €1.29 billion provided in aid to Ukraine since the invasion began.

The report highlights how the Czech Republic is exploiting an exemption from the EU’s ban on Russian oil imports, which was intended to allow member states more time to reduce their reliance on Russian oil. However, the research shows that Russian oil purchases have barely changed.

The report stated,

“Pipeline oil exports contributed €2.5 billion to Russian export revenues in the first half of 2024 alone, around one fifth of that coming from the Czech Republic.”

The study reveals that the Czech government has not done enough to phase out Russian energy imports. In 2022, Russian oil accounted for 56% of the country’s total oil imports. This figure rose to 60% in 2023 and only returned to levels similar to pre-invasion figures (49%) in the first quarter of 2024.

In the first half of 2024, the Czech Republic imported 1.2 million tonnes of Russian pipeline oil, valued at €542 million. This is consistent with average imports before the invasion, which were €574 million in the first half of 2021.

The report notes that while monthly average imports of Russian crude oil fell by 46% in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period last year, this decrease was not due to Czech efforts to reduce reliance on Russian crude. Instead, it was attributed to two unexplained disruptions to Russian oil supply via the Druzhba pipeline in the second quarter.

The research also revealed that the crude import disruptions demonstrated Czechia’s ability to maintain normal oil supply to consumers even when import volumes fall. The country’s refineries were able to obtain ample alternatives without causing a spike in domestic petroleum prices.

The report recommends removing all EU oil sanction loopholes, phasing out all Russian oil imports by the end of 2024, and legislating for maximizing imports via non-Russian IKL and TAL pipelines. It calls for urgent action to address this situation and reduce the Czech Republic’s dependence on Russian energy imports.

Ukraine’s sanctions commissioner, Vladyslav Vlasiuk, expressed disappointment to Politico on 14 October, stating it’s “disappointing to see friendly states” continue avoiding a full rejection of Russian energy.

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