15. Uzbekistan
> Russian oil imports: 40.9% of all oil imports and domestic production
> Total value of Russian oil imports: $373.6 million
> Total value of domestic oil production: $124.5 million
> UN resolution vote to condemn Russian invasion of Ukraine: Abstained
After China, Russia is the second-biggest trading partner of the former Soviet republic, which is located in central Asia. Uzbekistan officials said the government will not recognize the independence of the separatist regions in eastern Ukraine, one of the reasons Russia claims to have invaded Ukraine, though the government has yet to publicly condemn the incursion. Russia plays an important role in the energy sectors of central Asia.
14. Estonia
> Russian oil imports: 43.6% of all oil imports and domestic production
> Total value of Russian oil imports: $677.3 million
> Total value of domestic oil production: $350.9 million
> UN resolution vote to condemn Russian invasion of Ukraine: In favor
Estonia is one of the Baltic states that heavily relies on Russian oil. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas has not been specific about sanctions on Russia’s oil and gas. Kallas has said that European leaders must be “honest” with their citizens about the effects EU sanctions against Russia might have on daily lives.
13. Bulgaria
> Russian oil imports: 43.8% of all oil imports and domestic production
> Total value of Russian oil imports: $912.4 million
> Total value of domestic oil production: $91.9 million
> UN resolution vote to condemn Russian invasion of Ukraine: In favor
Because Bulgaria is very dependent on its energy supplies from Russia, the Balkan country is reluctant to join any EU-led energy sanctions against Russia. The nation’s only oil refinery is owned by Russia’s Lukoil. Bulgaria may seek an exemption from EU sanctions on Russian oil and gas imports. Prime minister Kiril Petkov has said Bulgaria must diversify its energy suppliers.
12. Lithuania
> Russian oil imports: 45.6% of all oil imports and domestic production
> Total value of Russian oil imports: $1.0 billion
> Total value of domestic oil production: $130.2 million
> UN resolution vote to condemn Russian invasion of Ukraine: In favor
The Baltic countries, including Lithuania, have made strong comments about sanctions against Russia but have not backed up the rhetoric with actions. During a joint news conference with U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis supported an embargo on Russian energy on March 7. In 2019, Russia supplied 63% of Lithuania’s oil imports and Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė has stated that that figure has decreased since then.
11. Malta
> Russian oil imports: 53.5% of all oil imports and domestic production
> Total value of Russian oil imports: $1.9 billion
> Total value of domestic oil production: $0
> UN resolution vote to condemn Russian invasion of Ukraine: In favor
According to a Reuters report on April 1, maritime fuel sellers have ceased serving vessels flying the Russian flag at major European hubs, including Spain, Gibraltar, and Malta, the island nation south of Sicily in the Mediterranean Sea. This is a major setback to Russian tankers that refuel in the Mediterranean after leaving Baltic sea ports and heading to Asia. Malta produces no oil and is completely dependent on oil imports. It consumes 47,000 barrels of oil per day.