European Union's Spending on Russian Fossil Fuels Surpasses Aid to Ukraine in 2024: Report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air

The European Union allocated $23 billion to purchase Russian oil and gas in 2024, surpassing the $19.6 billion in aid given to Ukraine, as per the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air. Despite sanctions, Russian oil exports only decreased by 8% following the Ukraine invasion, yielding $254 billion from fossil fuel exports last year. President Trump criticized Europe for its reliance on Russian fuel, asserting that "Europe has spent more money buying Russian oil and gas than they have spent on defending Ukraine — BY FAR!" Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskyy participated in an emergency summit with European leaders to deliberate on a peace proposal.