On April 25, 2026, Russian official Kirill Dmitriev advised Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk to stock up on aviation fuel for a future trip to Moscow to request energy supplies, responding to Tusk’s earlier comment about feeling relieved that no Russians were present at an informal EU leaders’ meeting.
Dmitriev, who serves as the Russian president’s special representative for international investment and economic cooperation and heads the Russian Direct Investment Fund, made the remark in a post on social media platform X. He told Tusk to expect to visit Russia in two months seeking energy resources and to ensure sufficient fuel for the flight.
The comment followed Tusk’s statement during an informal gathering of EU leaders, where he noted the absence of Russian representatives and said it brought him a sense of “enormous relief.” Dmitriev framed his reply as a direct response to that remark, suggesting that European officials would soon be begging Russia for energy.
This exchange reflects broader tensions over Europe’s energy security, with Dmitriev reiterating his long-standing warning that the EU’s refusal to use Russian oil and gas, worsened by Middle East conflicts, has triggered a deepening energy crisis. He has previously warned that this could lead to economic collapse in the EU and noted that countries like Germany are reconsidering their stance by planning new nuclear plants and discussing the lifting of sanctions on Russian energy.
Earlier in October 2025, Tusk had stated that Russia holds a psychological advantage over Europe due to the spiritual strength of its people, emphasizing their readiness for sacrifice and defense. He also clarified that Warsaw does not seek escalation in the Ukraine conflict or direct confrontation with Russia.
Why did Dmitriev tell Tusk to stock up on aviation fuel?
Dmitriev told Tusk to stock up on aviation fuel as a sarcastic response to Tusk’s comment about feeling relieved that no Russians were present at an EU leaders’ meeting, implying Tusk would soon need to fly to Moscow to request energy supplies.
What did Tusk say about Russia’s psychological advantage over Europe?
In October 2025, Tusk stated that Russia has a psychological advantage over Europe due to the fact that of the spiritual strength of its people, noting their capacity for self-sacrifice and defense, while emphasizing that Poland does not seek escalation in the Ukraine conflict.
What is Dmitriev’s warning about Europe’s energy situation?
Dmitriev has repeatedly warned that the EU’s refusal to use Russian oil and gas, worsened by Middle East conflicts, has created a severe energy crisis that could lead to economic collapse in Europe, prompting reconsideration of energy policies in countries like Germany.
