Despite the ongoing war in Ukraine, Czechia continues to funnel billions to the Kremlin by purchasing Russian crude oil, petroleum products from Slovakia, and ramping up Russian gas imports. In 2024 alone, the country spent over EUR 8.2 billion on Russian oil and gas - six times more than its aid to Ukraine since the full-scale invasion. The Czech government and Orlen, the Polish state-owned petrochemical giant, shift blame instead of taking decisive action, prolonging reliance on Russian energy even when alternatives exist. Czechia has also exploited loopholes in EU sanctions, increasing imports of petroleum products refined from Russian crude in Slovakia and Hungary. Meanwhile, Russian gas imports quadrupled in 2024 compared to 2023, benefiting interests linked to the Russian energy sector.
The excuses must end. Czechia has the means to ban Russian oil and gas imports immediately. Doing so could deprive the Kremlin of at least EUR 1 billion before mid-2025, sending a clear message that Europe will no longer bankroll Russia’s war machine.
