7am How Australia’s ‘blood oil’ imports are funding Russia’s war
Dec 3, 2025
Kateryna Argyrou, Chair of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations, discusses Australia's controversial imports of refined Russian oil, dubbed 'blood oil'. She shares harrowing personal stories of life under siege in Ukraine, including nightly attacks and blackouts. Kateryna reveals how loopholes in sanctions allow this oil to flow into Australia, contradicting the nation’s proclaimed support for Ukraine. She emphasizes the moral implications and urges stronger actions to support Ukraine, rather than concessions that could prolong the war.
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Family Endures Nightly Terror In Ukraine
- Kateryna speaks daily with family in Ukraine who face nightly terror and air raids.
- Her mother recently slept in her car in an underground parking lot during attacks on Kyiv.
War Raised Commodities, Australia Profited
- The war raised global commodity prices, and Australia benefited from higher agricultural exports.
- Kateryna Argyrou links those gains to broader economic effects that contrast with humanitarian costs.
Sanctions Loophole Fuels Indirect Russian Oil Trade
- Sanctions banned direct Russian crude imports but allowed refined products from third countries.
- Argyrou highlights a sanctions loophole letting refiners in India and China export fuel derived from Russian oil.