Not a penny for Putin's war machine.
Four years on from Russia’s brutal and illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Scottish Government has been urged to end a £1.2 billion agreement with Russian-linked TotalEnergies Gas & Power.
The French firm holds a 20 percent stake in the Yamal liquefied natural gas facility in Siberia, from where it continues to import Russian gas to Europe under long-term contracts. The site is majority owned by the Russian company Novatek.
Information provided by the Scottish Parliament Information Centre for the Scottish Greens shows that the contract, which was awarded in June 2024, is set to continue until 2027.
The Scottish Greens energy spokesperson, Patrick Harvie, said:
“It is four years since Russia’s brutal and illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and the human cost continues to mount.
“Scotland stands in solidarity with Ukraine and has done so since the beginning of this war. There are families all over our country who have opened their hearts and their doors, welcoming Ukrainians into their homes and communities.
“The most important thing we can do to increase pressure on Putin is to isolate him and his gangster regime as far as possible.
“Every penny that flows through these supply chains helps to sustain an industry that is funding Putin’s war machine.
“At a time when Ukrainian civilians are living through air raid sirens, displacement and unimaginable loss, it is entirely unacceptable for Scotland’s government to be tied into contracts with companies whose profits could find their way to the Russian military.
“If we are serious about sticking to our word and standing with Ukraine, we must ensure that public money is not connected to the fossil fuel revenues that enable this conflict to continue.
“It is time for the Scottish Government to finally do the right thing and end its contract with Russian-linked gas suppliers.”
Dr. Svitlana Romanko, Founder and Executive Director of Ukrainian campaign group Razom We Stand said:
“As the brutal war upon us in Ukraine enters its fifth year, it’s shocking to find that Scotland is getting energy from a Russia-friendly business like the French giant TotalEnergies.
"Total continues to invest in major Russia energy projects, effectively helping contribute to Russia’s war funds.
"The people of Scotland have given us so much support, which we are truly grateful for. However, this news coming right at the time of the fourth anniversary of war feels like a stab in the back.”