It's quite absurd. This is the Russia-Ukraine conflict. PetroChina | Russia | discount
It's a bit ironic. This is a rather absurd scene in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Speaking of which, many friends may not believe it either. The majority of the diesel used in Ukraine's tanks fighting against Russia comes from Russia.
That is to say, Ukraine purchases Russian oil, turns around to drive tanks, and then goes to battle with Russian troops.
Can't you imagine it? Is it interesting? Is it absurd?
But this is the fact.
The process is just slightly more complicated. According to the German Business Daily, a considerable part of Ukraine's refined oil, such as gasoline and diesel, is imported from Hungary and Türkiye.
Among them, in the first half of this year alone, the Hungarian oil and gas group's oil exports to Ukraine doubled. The majority of the refining industry in the group is managed by its subsidiary "Slovnaft". The CEO of the group has stated that only 5% of Slovnaft's crude oil in 2022 does not originate from Russia, and "strives" to increase this proportion to around 30% by 2023.
According to the analysis of the newspaper, considering the source of these oils, most of the fuel used in Ukrainian tanks now actually comes from Russia.
Ukraine still has to buy.
Before the war, Ukraine was able to produce approximately 30% of its petroleum products using Azerbaijan's crude oil. But after the outbreak of war, Russia bombed the refinery, and Ukraine was no longer able to produce on its own.
But fortunately, due to the war, Ukrainian enterprises have also basically shut down, and the demand for petroleum products has greatly decreased. But tanks cannot fight without oil, so they must be imported.
Where do imports come from?
Only Hungary and Türkiye. Because these two countries use discounted Russian oil, the cost is lower, and the prices of gasoline and diesel are naturally lower, which is more favored by Ukraine.
Interestingly, in the process of this transaction, we have to mention the Western sanctions against Russia, which not only did not bring Russia down, but actually helped the competitiveness of Hungarian and Türkiye's products.
Because according to the Western ban, if importing Russian oil, there must be a price cap, which does not give Russia greater profits. Most Western countries have complied with it, and imports from Russia have mostly turned yellow.
But Hungary is an exception. Before the war, the vast majority of Hungary's oil came from Russia. Hungarian Prime Minister Orban insisted that if Hungary was forced to comply with this ban, he would veto it. The EU has no choice but to allow Hungary to enjoy some sanctions exemptions and still be able to import.
Türkiye is an alternative. As a NATO country, but refusing to sanction Russia; On the contrary, on the surface at least, Türkiye maintains good relations with Russia and Ukraine, and mediates from time to time. The West and the United States have no way.
These two countries, with the help of Western sanctions, can import a large amount of discounted Russian oil, which can then be processed and sold to the West and Ukraine.
Is it absurd enough?
Finally, let me briefly summarize.
1. Western sanctions not only failed to kill Russia, but helped Rosneft expand its market share in Hungary and Türkiye, making Russia richer and richer.
2. Hungary, Türkiye and, in fact, India buy a large amount of Russian discount oil, then process it into refined oil such as gasoline and diesel, and then sell it to the West and Ukraine. Everyone quietly makes a fortune.
3. Finally, the oil exported by Russia is driving Ukrainian tank warfare; Ukraine's purchase of refined oil and provision of war funds to Russia is no wonder the German Business Daily laments that this is the "contradiction of war.".
Personal opinion does not represent any organization
