For Immediate Release
Kyiv, Ukraine
July 24, 2024
As the world eagerly anticipates the start of the Paris Olympics on Friday, Ukrainian peace and climate group Razom We Stand calls on the French government to align its energy policies with the Olympic spirit of unity and peace by halting imports of Russian fossil fuels. Russian athletes are banned from competing in the Olympic Games this year, yet the host country, France, continues to pump billions of euros into the Russian war machine through its purchase of LNG gas.
New data from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) reveals alarming statistics: In the first half of 2024, France imported €1.2 billion worth of Russian LNG, a 28% increase in value from the first half of 2023. France imported 3.2 million tonnes of Russian LNG in the first half of 2024, marking a staggering 109% increase in volume compared to the same period last year.
The Olympics should stand for unity and peace, yet France’s continued purchases of Russian LNG continues to fuel this unjust war at a time when Russia is mercilessly bombing a Children’s hospital in Kyiv. Every euro spent on Russian LNG is a direct contribution to Putin’s campaign of violence and devastation in Ukraine. Since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia has made a staggering €1710 billion in revenue from fossil fuel exports. In the face of Putin’s relentless assault, France and the EU must take decisive action to cut off the financial lifeline fueling Russia’s war chest.
“Don’t power the Olympics with Russian Gas! France has a unique opportunity to make a significant impact towards peace in Ukraine by supporting a comprehensive ban on Russian LNG imports. This strong step would send a powerful message to the Kremlin that its aggression will not be tolerated. Let’s light the torch of peace and say no to Russian fossil fuels. France and the EU must stand firm and prioritise protecting human lives over profit margins, demonstrating unwavering solidarity with Ukraine in this critical moment of need when our innocent civilians are suffering daily.” said Svitlana Romanko, Founder and Executive Director of Razom We Stand.
Despite numerous European nations continuing to purchase Russian LNG, France leads the bloc in both absolute volumes imported and increased purchases from last year. This undermines any attempts to support Ukraine and starkly contrasts the Olympic spirit.
The idea that the EU is reliant on Russian LNG is simply outdated. A brand new report from DIW argues it would be possible to completely forego Russian natural gas even if the demand for EU gas remains high in the EU until 2030. In almost all scenarios, EU gas demand could be covered by pipeline imports from other countries and LNG without requiring infrastructure expansion. France must follow the lead of countries like Finland and Australia which have already fully stopped buying Russian fossil fuels.
Razom We Stand urges France to end its purchases of Russian LNG. Collaborating with European partners to develop strategies for reducing reliance on Russian energy resources and resolving barriers to a rapid expansion of clean energy sources is imperative. France’s energy policy must align with the values of peace and unity that the Olympics represent.
ENDS
Razom We Stand is a Ukrainian organisation active internationally, calling for a total and permanent embargo on Russian fossil fuels and an immediate end to all investment into Russian oil and gas companies by phasing out fossil fuels globally.
Razom We Stand
Svitlana Romanko has appeared in top tier press, including: Le Monde, Der Spiegel, Financial Times, The Guardian, Washington Post, CNN, NBC, Politico, Bloomberg and The Hill ; A detailed list is available here
Press contact:
Paraic Walker
International Communications Specialist Razom We Stand
[email protected]
