Patrick Harvie, spokesperson for the Scottish Greens on energy matters, remarked: “Each pound that funnels through these networks continues to bolster an industry that finances Putin’s military operations.”
There has been a strong appeal to the Scottish Government to terminate a £1.2 billion gas contract with a company that is connected to Russia’s military efforts.
This extensive contract with the French energy corporation TotalEnergies serves all significant public institutions in Scotland, similar to the £8 billion contract held by the UK Government that supplies Downing Street and Whitehall.
However, four years after Vladimir Putin’s brutal invasion of Ukraine, activists are calling for these agreements to be annulled.
TotalEnergies holds a 20 per cent stake in the Yamal liquefied natural gas facility in Siberia, which it uses to import Russian gas to Europe under long-term contracts which it says it cannot break.
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 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.”
The Scottish contract, which was awarded in June 2024, is set to continue until 2027. It is used by about 250 organisations and helps to power government and council buildings, hospitals, schools, universities and more.
Scottish Greens energy spokesman Patrick Harvie said: “Scotland stands in solidarity with Ukraine and has done so since the beginning of this war.
“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.”