The global energy trade has undergone a major transformation since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Despite a wave of international sanctions, Russia has earned an estimated $915 billion from fossil fuel exports between January 2022 and March 2025. Over $223 billion of this came from European Union countries, underlining the bloc’s ongoing reliance on Russian energy.
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While the EU has reduced pipeline gas imports, liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports have surged. According to POLITICO Europe, EU member states imported 837,300 metric tons of Russian LNG in the first 15 days of 2025 alone. Ember reports that in 2024, the EU spent €21.9 billion ($23.6 billion) on Russian gas, raising concerns that European funds are indirectly financing Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
Globally, Russia remains a top oil producer, vying with Saudi Arabia for second place behind the United States. The country’s fossil fuel sector remains dominated by state-backed giants—Gazprom, Rosneft, and Lukoil—following a government-led restructuring in 2021.
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As geopolitical tensions reshape global trade routes, the shifting composition of Russia’s top fossil fuel customers reflects new alliances, economic strategies, and the ongoing complexity of the global energy transition.
According to data from the CREA Fossil Fuel Tracker, here are the eight key changes in Russian fossil fuel imports between 2022 and 2025
1. China becomes the largest importer
In 2022, China imported 435,025 tonnes of fossil fuels from Russia. By March 2025, this figure had risen to 607,288 tonnes. China now imports nearly six times more than the European Union (EU), making it the largest buyer of Russian fossil fuels. This marks a significant pivot in energy partnerships between the two countries.
2. EU’s imports drop sharply
The EU was the top importer of Russian fossil fuels in January 2022, with 928,998 tonnes. By 2025, this had fallen drastically to 104,646 tonnes. This decline follows a series of sanctions, diversification strategies, and investments in alternative energy sources across Europe.
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3. India’s rise as a major buyer
India has significantly increased its imports from Russia. In 2022, it imported just 28,907 tonnes. By 2025, the figure had jumped to 344,848 tonnes. India is now the second-largest importer after China, reflecting a shift in its sourcing strategy amid global market changes.
4. Turkey’s imports surge
Turkey has also boosted its intake of Russian fossil fuels. From 138,860 tonnes in 2022, imports rose to 239,662 tonnes in 2025. The increase signals a closer energy relationship and the country’s growing role in regional energy trade.
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5. South Korea reduces imports
South Korea has scaled back its imports, dropping from 93,267 tonnes in 2022 to 30,255 tonnes in 2025. This suggests a re-alignment in its energy procurement approach, possibly in response to global pressures and local policy shifts.
6. United States cuts imports to zero
The United States stopped importing Russian fossil fuels completely. From 33,468 tonnes in 2022, imports dropped to zero by 2025. This is in line with US sanctions and efforts to reduce dependence on Russian energy.
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7. UK ends fossil fuel imports from Russia
The UK followed a similar path, cutting its Russian fossil fuel imports from 49,062 tonnes in 2022 to zero in 2025. This aligns with broader Western policies aimed at isolating Russian energy in response to the conflict in Ukraine.
8. Other countries show moderate growth
The category labelled “Others” grew from 244,945 tonnes in 2022 to 275,747 tonnes in 2025. This modest increase points to smaller nations or diversified buyers maintaining or slightly increasing trade with Russia.
