The European Union has spent €35bn (£29bn) on Russian fuel since the start of the war, compared to an outlay of just €1bn to Ukraine in arms and weapons, the EU’s foreign policy chief has said.
“We have to help [the Ukrainians] defend themselves… We have given Ukraine €1bn. It might seem a lot but €1bn is what we pay Putin every day for the energy he provides us,” he told the European Parliament.
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His remarks come as EU ambassadors meet to consider a fifth round of sanctions against Moscow – including a ban on imports of Russian coal.
“Today we put an end to coal but this is only a small share of the bill,” Borrell told MEPs.
European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen has said the EU is “working on” additional measures including restrictions on oil imports.