As the 1000th day of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches tomorrow (19 November), Ukrainian climate and energy advocacy group Razom We Stand calls for global leaders at COP29 and the G20 to reject fossil-fueled conflict and embrace a peaceful future built on renewable energy.
Russia has profited immensely from its continued fossil fuel-dominated economy, earning a staggering EUR 785 billion in fossil fuel export revenues since the invasion began. Yet, the toll of this war is measured not only in euros or dollars but in human lives, climate destruction, and the erosion of global security. Last week saw more Russian attacks across Ukrainian cities, adding to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights estimates that 11,973 civilians, including 622 children, have been senselessly murdered since February 2022.
COP29, hosted by Azerbaijan — a strong ally of Russia and a significant fossil fuel exporter — offers a stark reminder of the oil and gas industry’s influence over international climate and peace negotiations. Reports reveal that at least 1,773 coal, oil, and gas lobbyists are attending COP29, outnumbering most country delegations and threatening to derail any meaningful climate action.
Svitlana Romanko, Founder and Executive Director of Razom We Stand, stressed the urgency of breaking free from fossil fuel dependency: “One thousand days of war, financed by fossil fuels, is one thousand too many. The path to true peace does not pass through pipelines or oil fields. The fossil fuel industry’s grip on COP29 demonstrates the dangerous intersection of energy and conflict. To end Russia’s continued attack on Ukraine and prevent future wars fueled by fossil revenues, we must commit to clean energy solutions that boost the economy, strengthen independence, bolster security, and safeguard the climate.”
Azerbaijan’s alignment with Russia is deeply troubling. President Ilham Aliyev recently celebrated a $4 billion trade relationship with Vladimir Putin, including joint oil tanker production. These partnerships help the Kremlin maintain its dominance in global energy markets, even as it continues its brutal invasion of Ukraine.
Razom We Stand’s new report, “Bridging the Gap Between Peace and Climate Action: An Assessment of the Potential Climate Impact of Sanctions on Russian Oil & Gas Exports”, released to coincide with COP29, highlights the dual climate and security risks posed by Russia’s energy sector, which accounts for 78% of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions and nearly half of its federal revenue. Targeted sanctions on Russian oil and gas could cut upstream emissions by 25% by 2030 and reduce CO2 emissions by 300 million tons annually if renewables replace Russian energy.
Razom We Stand urges world leaders to invest in Ukraine’s renewable energy transition as a model for resilience. A renewable future not only weakens Russia’s grip on the fossil fuel market but also creates opportunities for economic growth. Ukraine’s clean energy recovery could potentially generate 4.2 million green jobs and secure the nation’s sovereignty through decentralised, durable systems that are more resilient to Russian attacks.
ENDS
Razom We Stand is a campaign group that focuses on ending fossil fuel conflicts and climate chaos and driving a clean energy revolution in Ukraine and the world.
Svitlana Romanko has appeared in top-tier international press, including Bloomberg, Washington Post, CNN, NBC, The Hill, Politico, Financial Times, The Guardian, Der Spiegel, Le Monde and more.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Paraic Walker
International Communications Specialist
Razom We Stand
[email protected]
