EU Foreign Policy Chief Warns Asian Countries Against Russian Oil Purchases

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned Asian nations against turning to Russian oil as an alternative to Middle Eastern supplies, arguing that such purchases would finance Russia's war in Ukraine. Speaking during a visit to Asia, Kallas said Moscow directly benefits from the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and uses profits from fuel sales to fund its aggression against Ukraine. While countries like Vietnam and Indonesia are seeking alternatives to disrupted Middle Eastern supplies by purchasing Russian oil, the European Union warned that such moves undermine international sanctions and prolong the conflict. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global shipping route through which a significant portion of the world's oil passes, and its disruption has forced countries to seek alternative energy suppliers.