China Is Cutting Imports of russian Oil: in July the rf Received About $130 Million Less than It Was Supposed to

The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine is analyzing the impact of sanctions on the activities of the russian “shadow fleet” and monitoring the dynamics of russian oil exports. After all, oil is the main source of revenue for the russian budget, supports the raw materials-based russian economy, finances russia’s army, and allows moscow to pay for the loyalty of the elites.

The analysis of statistical data shows a decline in the activity of the russian “shadow fleet” as a result of sanctions. In particular, in July this year, 119 tankers (56 % of those sanctioned) exported almost 14 million tons of oil and petroleum products (approximately 100 million barrels). For comparison, in June this year, russia used 139 tankers (by 8 fewer than in May this year), 63  % of which were sanctioned.

In other words, today we can see a decrease in the total number of tankers, as well as a reduction in the share of sanctioned vessels involved in the transportation of russian oil. This shows the effectiveness of economic pressure on the rf.

The main buyers of russian oil and petroleum products are India and China, which together account for 65 % of sea exports. Supplies to India remained stable in June and July – at around 5 million tons. However, supplies to China in July declined compared to June and amounted to less than 4 million tons. In the first seven months of 2025, 32 million tons were delivered to China by tankers from russia, which is by 4 million tons less than in the same period in 2024.

A comparison of russia’s oil supplies in the first half of 2024 and 2025 shows that the rf’s exports are steadily declining.