How on Earth is Russia Still Buying Tanks? (1/2)

The Tank Index 2024

Not figuratively. Quite literally. In 2024, France handed over enough cash in Russian gas payments to fund 188 brand-new T-90 tanks. Spain paid for 247. Belgium? 223. That’s not neutrality. That’s logistical support.

Meanwhile, these same governments are sending weapons to Ukraine. So what are we doing — arming both sides and calling it strategic ambiguity?

Follow the Rubles

Russia’s fossil fuel revenue in 2024 reached approximately $250 billion (IEA, 2025). That money keeps the factories running, the drones flying, and the generals paid.

Here’s the source breakdown:

• China: $80 billion

• India: $50 billion

• Turkey: $25 billion

• European Union (combined): ~$20 billion via gas (Bruegel, 2025)

EU countries aren't buying crude anymore—at least not directly. But gas? Especially liquefied natural gas (LNG) and pipeline contracts via Austria and Hungary? Still flowing. Still paying. Still killing.

Gas money now represents up to 13% of Russia’s defence spending and just under 1% of GDP. Those may sound like small numbers—until you realise they’re equivalent to 20,000 Shahed drones or 2,000 tanks.