The Czech Republic has spent more than €7 billion on Russian oil and gas, which is five times more than the aid it provided to Ukraine

The Czech Republic spent more than €7 billion on Russian oil and gas, and helped Ukraine by €1.29 billion.

Here's What We Know

Politico, citing a report by analysts at the Centre for the Study of Democracy, says that in 2024, the Czech Republic's dependence on Russian oil will reach 50%. Instead, analysts believe that the country has the opportunity to completely abandon Moscow's exports.

They assume that this situation is possible because after Russia's full-scale invasion, the EU granted the Czech Republic an exception to the ban on Russian oil supplies.

"The Czech Republic could ensure normal supplies of non-Russian crude oil by using the free capacity of the Transalpine Pipeline, which delivers oil from the Italian port of Trieste, the Adria pipeline connecting to Druzhba in Slovakia, and by increasing imports of petroleum products and oil," said Martin Vladimirov, Director of Energy and Climate at the Centre for the Study of Democracy.

"It is important to note that Russian oil is imported by a private company, Orlen Unipetrol. The government does not have direct control over the decisions of private business," the ministry told the publication.

However, an Orlen Unipetrol spokesperson said the company "complies with all applicable national and international laws and regulations" and operates under the sanctions exemption granted by the EU.

Source: Politico