Shell Bought Discounted Russian Crude Oil

During the ongoing conflict involving Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Shell made a controversial decision to purchase a cargo of discounted Russian crude oil. This action occurred amidst a broader international movement to boycott Russian products and divest from the Russian economy. The purchase drew immediate criticism, particularly from Ukrainian officials, including Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, who condemned the decision. In response to the backlash, Shell characterized the acquisition as a short-term necessity, emphasizing the challenges of securing energy supplies during a period of heightened geopolitical tension. The company also committed to reducing its reliance on Russian oil in the future. Furthermore, Shell announced plans to allocate profits derived from any Russian oil sales to a fund dedicated to humanitarian aid efforts in Ukraine, aiming to mitigate the negative perception of its actions and contribute positively to the affected population.