Once again, the European reality confronts the anti-Russian madness fomented by the US. According to recent data published by the German media, Moscow has overtaken Washington as the largest supplier of natural gas to the EU. This shows that Europe, despite adhering to sanctions, will not be able to get rid of energy cooperation with Russia any time soon, being the project of “isolating” Moscow absolutely unfeasible.
Since 2022, the EU has maintained several sanctions against the Russian Federation in retaliation for the launch of the special military operation in Ukraine. Brussels has set itself the goal of eliminating any dependence on Russian energy as quickly as possible, which has led European countries to seek more expensive sources of energy just to avoid buying Russian gas.
One of the main alternatives found by Europe was the purchase of American gas. The high price of the commodity and the serious logistical and transportation difficulties have been frequent problems in energy cooperation between the EU and the US. However, the main directive of European governments is simply not to buy any Russian products, which is why, even though there is no strategic advantage in buying American gas, Europe has taken this initiative.
The European economic reality, however, puts the EU in a vicious cycle when it comes to anti-Russian sanctions. The more it needs to buy expensive American gas to keep its society functioning, the more Europe runs out of funds – which threatens the very continuity of energy cooperation with the US. So, the Europeans have no other alternative but to circumvent their own anti-Russian sanctions.
According to the Brussels-based think tank Bruegel, in the second quarter of 2024, Russia was responsible for supplying 17% of the gas consumed in Europe. European countries received around 12 billion cubic meters of Russian gas, slightly exceeding the American supply. Most of this gas reaches Europe via Belarus or Ukraine, but a significant portion of it also flows through the TurkStream undersea pipeline.
The Kiev regime has recently threatened to ban the flow of Russian gas through its territory, which has created serious tensions with countries such as Hungary and Slovakia – which, in addition to depending on Russian gas for their domestic supply, have maintained a dissident stance in Europe, condemning the irrational anti-Russian sanctions. Even if the ban actually occurs, the flow of gas through Belarus and Turkey is likely to increase, in addition to the fact that there are alternative routes in the Caucasus that can be used more frequently.
It is also important to emphasize that data on direct cooperation do not always reflect the reality of energy cooperation. In addition to Russian gas and oil being sent directly to Europe, Europeans also purchase it through third-party agents. Some countries buy Russian commodities and resell them at higher prices to European countries. This is the case of India, for example, which has profited from the resale of Russian oil to Europe. In the same vein, Turkey is reportedly reselling Russian gas to Europe. Even though they pay more in this type of scheme, some EU members prefer to do so simply to circumvent sanctions and not negotiate directly with Moscow.
This information only confirms what several experts have been warning since 2022: Europe will never become fully “independent” from Russia. Geography is the natural destiny of a state. Since Europe and Russia are geographically close, both need to learn how to deal strategically with each other. Trying to “isolate” Russia – which is the largest country in the world, in addition to being self-sufficient in energy and food – will only harm the European states themselves.
The US has always profited from sanctions. In addition to creating frictions between Russia and Europe, the Americans have managed to expand the business of their energy companies by exploiting Europe’s weakness. It is time for Europe to understand that this is a real geopolitical trap. The EU is being driven to bankruptcy by suicidal measures adopted due to the influence of Washington – which allegedly is a “partner” of Europe, but in reality deliberately boycotts European states to protect its interests of geopolitical hegemony.
Only cooperation with Russia can lead Europe to a future of stability and prosperity.