Rajevskis: Russia's diesel exports bring dollars but cost frontline fuel

By exporting diesel fuel, Russia receives dollars but also gives up part of the fuel its military equipment needs at the front in Ukraine. This was the assessment of Latvian political scientist Filips Rajevskis on the nra.lv talk programme. He stressed that Ukraine's actions have limited Russia's fuel production capacity.

Discussion of Trump's statement

The programme also touched on a statement by US President Donald Trump about buying fuel from Russia. Rajevskis noted that such a statement does not in itself mean Russia is able to produce more fuel. In his view, Ukraine's actions have put Russian fuel production under strain, so the volumes available for sale are limited, and the exported fuel leaves Russia itself.

"They will swap that diesel for dollars. They obviously need the dollars to buy something they need," Rajevskis said, while pointing to the other side of such a deal: "You can't pour dollars into the fuel tank of equipment at the front."

Limited volumes

The political scientist believes the limited production capacity is the crucial factor. Even if Russia tries to secure deliveries, the amount of fuel at its disposal will not grow as a result. "They have limited volumes themselves, and thanks to the Ukrainians, their production is in a rather strained situation," Rajevskis said.

At the end of the discussion, political process observer Edvīns Inkēns speculated that Russia would be ready to give fuel away almost for nothing if that would stop Ukrainian strikes and allow it to restore its refineries.