China and India funnel US$24bil to Putin in energy spree

China spent US$18.9bil (RM83.6bil) on Russian oil, gas and coal in the three months to the end of May, almost double the amount a year earlier, latest customs data show.(File pic shows Russian crude in hand.)

NEW YORK: Russia has pocketed US$24bil (RM106.2bil) from selling energy to China and India in just three months following its invasion of Ukraine, showing how higher global prices are limiting efforts by the United States and Europe to punish President Vladimir Putin.

China spent US$18.9bil (RM83.6bil) on Russian oil, gas and coal in the three months to the end of May, almost double the amount a year earlier, latest customs data show.