Russia sends 94% of its oil exports to “friendly” countries

Russia now directs 94% of its oil exports to countries it describes as “friendly,” reflecting a sweeping change in global energy flows after the invasion of Ukraine and the imposition of Western sanctions. Moscow has sharply reduced its reliance on Europe and redirected most of its shipments to countries that do not participate in the restrictions.

China and India sit at the center of this new trading network, taking large volumes of Russian crude. Turkey, along with markets across Asia, the Middle East and the Global South, has also strengthened its energy ties with Russia. Moscow uses the shift to argue that sanctions have not fully isolated its oil industry or excluded the country from international trade.

Russian officials say the country’s main advantage is not only the size of its oil supply but also its ability to provide long-term, uninterrupted deliveries. They maintain that Russian energy companies remain reliable suppliers, offering fuel at prices they describe as fair and consistent with market conditions.

The redirection has come at a cost. Russia has often had to offer discounts, particularly to major Asian buyers. It has also developed longer maritime routes and an extensive tanker fleet to limit the impact of Western sanctions and the price cap on Russian oil.

Tensions in the Middle East are adding to concerns about supply disruptions and volatile prices. Moscow is using that environment to present Russian production as a stabilizing force, claiming its companies can guarantee long-term deliveries during crises. But the shift has not erased the effects of sanctions. Russia faces higher transport costs, restrictions on insurance and financial services, and difficulty accessing Western technology. Its oil has not disappeared from the market, but its trade routes and customer base have moved decisively from West to East.