France double-faced on Ukraine as Russian gas imports soar: Politico
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France paid over €600 million to purchase Russian oil since the beginning of the year.
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French President Emmanuel Macron, right, and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy attend a joint press conference after signing an agreement, Friday, Feb. 16, 2024 at the Elysee Palace in Paris.
A report by Politico on Thursday detailed that France is finding itself under scrutiny for its surging payments to Russia for natural gas.
Data analyzed by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) revealed a significant increase in Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) deliveries to France in the first quarter of this year compared to last year, making France the leading importer of Russian LNG within the EU.
While French President Emmanuel Macron has been vocal in his support for Ukraine, critics argue that France's substantial payments to Russia contradict its position.
The payments, totaling over €600 million since the beginning of the year, raise concerns about France's commitment to reducing Europe's dependence on Russian energy.
Despite assertions from French officials that these purchases are necessary to ensure energy security and are tied to long-term contracts, skepticism abounds.
Critics point out that France could do more to decrease reliance on Russian gas and suggest that the influence of French energy giant TotalEnergies, which has contractual obligations to purchase Russian LNG, may be a factor in France's reluctance to take decisive action.
As calls for reducing Russian gas imports grow louder from other EU countries, including proposals for bans and price caps, France faces increasing pressure to align its actions with its rhetoric of support for Ukraine.
Read more: Macron's Ukraine €3Bln aid pledge in budget quandary: Le Monde
The country has been experiencing a surge in protests since the war in Ukraine began due to the impact of Russian sanctions on the French economy, including the farming sector.
In February, Macron said that he does not rule out deploying troops in Ukraine to assist Ukrainian forces in their battle with Russia.
Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne later said that "French people will not die for Ukraine. We will not send troops for combat."
