Shocking Revelation: Ukrainians Fuel Russian Army by Buying Russian Gas and Autogas

Executive Intelligence Assessment

Recent revelations suggest that Ukrainians have been indirectly financing the Russian army through the purchase of Russian gas and autogas. According to a detailed investigation by Latvian media, significant quantities of Russian oil products were transported to the port of Riga and subsequently distributed to Ukraine. This scheme was reportedly in operation until early February, when an embargo on oil products was imposed. Despite this, it appears that a substantial portion of "Latvian" autogas imported into Ukraine continues to be sourced from the Russian Federation. The investigation has established that NS Point and NS Pride tankers, both owned by the Russian state company Sovkomflot, supplied fuel to PARS Termināls and Naftimpeks warehouses in Latvia, where it was collected by Ukrainian companies. For instance, on February 2, fuel was delivered from Russia to PARS Termināls in Riga. The oil products in question were batches of A-92 gasoline and diesel fuel with an estimated value of €100 million. In addition, Russian autogas is also reportedly entering Latvia, which is permissible within the limits of the petroleum products embargo.

Despite claims by the Latvian company Orlen Lietuva that the oil products from Russia were accompanied by fake quality certificates and that they do not use Russian fuel, it is alleged that Russian companies supplied oil products to Ukraine via Latvia. The Ukrainian companies, in turn, unwittingly financed the Russian army through their purchase of such fuel. The names of the Ukrainian companies involved in this scheme have not been disclosed by Latvian media, and the list is thought to be extensive. In addition to oil products, Orlen Lietuva also supplies autogas to Ukraine. The Naftorynok company estimates that approximately 8,000 tons of autogas were exported to Ukraine by Lithuania and Latvia. The only autogas producer in the Baltic countries is the Mazheikyai Refinery, which is owned by Orlen and has the capacity to export up to 3,000 tons of autogas. The shortfall is likely to have been compensated for by the addition of Russian gas, as blending Russian gas with autogas up to a share of 49% is permissible. The importers of autogas from Lithuania and Latvia reportedly include the companies AMIK, OKKO, BRSM, Avantaz, and Zahidekotop, among others.