INA–Follow up
The Kremlin’s economic envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, affirmed on Thursday that Europe remains in dire need of Russian oil and gas supplies to overcome the escalating energy crisis resulting from instability in the Middle East. He noted that resuming energy flows from Moscow is a fundamental pillar for ensuring the economic and developmental security of the European continent.
Dmitriev stated in press remarks monitored by the Iraqi News Agency (INA) on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum: “The world today stands on the brink of a serious and unprecedented energy crisis due to the ongoing escalation in the Middle East,” while he explained that “if European countries want to overcome this crisis, they must seek practical formulas for cooperation with Russia and restore oil and gas flows.”
Despite the extensive sanctions imposed by Western countries on the Russian energy sector since the start of the war in Ukraine, economic indicators show that a number of European countries continue to import liquefied natural gas from Moscow, which remains one of the continent’s largest historical energy suppliers.
In the same vein, observers and economic analysts believe that the record rise in global energy prices, stemming from military tensions and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, has placed immense pressure on international markets. This has prompted major powers such as the United States and Britain to unofficially ease some restrictions on Russian oil imports in an effort to stabilize markets.
Recent analytical data indicates that the European Union’s imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) reached their highest level since 2022 during the first quarter of 2026. This has maintained Russia’s position as the second-largest gas supplier to the EU, despite the bloc’s efforts to completely ban these imports by next year and its official rejection of any sanctions relief.
Meanwhile, European positions have remained firm. The EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, called for intensifying economic and political pressure on Moscow, arguing that the Russian side has not yet demonstrated a genuine willingness to engage in negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.
According to current data, Moscow is working to capitalize on the current energy crisis to reposition itself as an indispensable strategic partner for Europe. This is based on previous statements by Russian President Vladimir Putin, in which he affirmed his country’s readiness to supply the continent with oil and gas resources, provided Brussels commits to “stable and long-term” cooperation.
This comes as Russia has successfully shifted its export focus since 2022 toward major Asian markets, primarily China and India, offering preferential and discounted prices.