Morocco’s Unusual Stance on the Ukraine Conflict
Morocco has chosen not to participate in the United Nations General Assembly votes that condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This decision has sparked interest, especially as it appears to be accompanied by a level of economic support for Moscow. Here’s a closer look at this complex situation.
Record Imports and Suspicions
In June 2025, the Spanish newspaper El País reported that Spanish imports of Moroccan diesel had reached record levels, with suspicions pointing towards Russian origins. Ten months later, Africa Intelligence provided additional insights into a matter that continues to raise questions across the Mediterranean, particularly since Morocco is not a petroleum-producing country.
According to the French outlet, “In 2025, despite international sanctions, Morocco became the main importer of Russian-origin fuel in North Africa. A discreet Geneva-based trader managed to position himself in this market.” An “enigmatic Swiss trader” is reportedly at the center of Russian oil deliveries to the kingdom.
The Role of Niels Troost
The report highlights Niels Troost, who operates through his company Paramount Energy & Commodities SA. He is believed to have taken advantage of the reconfiguration of global energy flows to position Morocco as a strategic hub for fuel originating from Russia.
Russian oil, which is subject to sanctions by the European Union since February 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine, is reportedly sold at around $22 below market prices per barrel. In October 2025, the EU’s 27 member states decided to further tighten restrictions on Russia’s energy sector, including a complete halt to Russian LNG imports by the end of 2026, as well as measures targeting the so-called “phantom fleet” of tankers used to circumvent sanctions.
Spanish media have also repeatedly reported the presence of vessels linked to this fleet in or near Moroccan waters in the Mediterranean.
Financial Channels and Banking Institutions
The circumvention of European sanctions does not rely solely on maritime logistics; it also involves financial channels. In this regard, Africa Intelligence mentions the alleged involvement of two Moroccan banking institutions in these operations. Since March 2022, the European Union has excluded several major Russian banks from the SWIFT financial messaging system to limit Moscow’s ability to finance its war effort.
Absence from Domestic Political Debate
While international media continue to scrutinize oil exchanges between Rabat and Moscow, the issue has largely disappeared from Morocco’s domestic political debate. An initiative by some opposition parties to establish a parliamentary inquiry commission failed in April 2023 following the withdrawal of the Socialist Union of Popular Forces.
For its part, the government led by Aziz Akhannouch has downplayed the scale of the increase in Russian petroleum imports, citing limited growth. “In 2020, the share of Russian diesel imports was 9%. It fell to 5% in 2021, before rising again to 9% in 2022,” government spokesperson Mustapha Baitas said during a press briefing on March 2, 2023.
Implications and Ongoing Questions
The situation raises several questions about Morocco’s role in the broader context of international relations and trade. While the government maintains a low profile on the issue, the actions of private traders and the involvement of financial institutions suggest a more complex picture.
As the global community continues to navigate the challenges posed by the conflict in Ukraine, the role of countries like Morocco in facilitating or circumventing sanctions remains a topic of significant interest and concern. The ongoing scrutiny of these activities underscores the intricate web of economic and political relationships that shape international affairs.
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