Despite facing stringent Western sanctions, Russia's oil exports have seen an increase, with the volume of Urals crude oil in 2025 being approximately 6% higher than in 2021, according to the Finnish think tank Centre for Energy and Clean Air Research (Crea). This growth highlights Russia's adaptive strategies in redirecting its oil supply mainly to China, India, and Turkey, with a significant 93% of its oil now going to these regions.

However, the financial gains from these exports have taken a substantial hit, with revenues plummeting by 18% to around €85.5 billion. This decline is attributed to new sanctions and the stricter enforcement of existing ones, which has notably affected Russia's ability to capitalize on its increased export volumes. Analyst Isaac Levi from Crea pointed out that while Russia may be exporting more oil, it is compelled to do so at reduced prices, indicating a troubling imbalance between export quantities and earnings.

The implications of these findings are significant, as they suggest that while Russia has managed to maintain and even grow its oil export levels post-invasion, the country's economic stability is increasingly jeopardized by international sanctions. The focus on exports to countries such as China, India, and Turkey may provide temporary relief, but the overall reduction in revenue raises questions about the long-term sustainability of its energy sector amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions and shifting global markets.