Fact Check: Trade with Ukraine reached 840 million, while trade with Russia fell to 770 million.

Fact Check: "Trade with Ukraine reached 840 million, while trade with Russia fell to 770 million."

What We Know

The claim states that trade with Ukraine reached €840 million, while trade with Russia fell to €770 million. This assertion is supported by multiple sources. According to an analysis conducted by the Embassy of Ukraine in Germany, trade between Ukraine and Germany indeed reached €840 million in 2024, while trade between Germany and Russia amounted to €770 million during the same period (Baltimore Chronicle, Ukrinform). This data indicates a significant shift in trading dynamics, particularly following the geopolitical changes resulting from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim comes from credible sources, including official statistics analyzed by the Ukrainian Embassy in Germany. The Embassy's report highlights that the trade turnover between Ukraine and Germany surpassed that of Germany with Russia for the first time since records began in 1992 (Baltimore Chronicle, Ukrinform). This shift is attributed to a drastic reduction in German imports from Russia, which have decreased by approximately 95% since the onset of the conflict, leading to Russia's fall from 12th to 59th place among Germany's suppliers (Ukrinform).

However, while the figures presented in the claim are accurate, they are specific to trade with Germany and do not encompass the broader trade relationships of Ukraine and Russia with other countries. The U.S. trade data indicates that total goods trade with Ukraine was estimated at $2.9 billion in 2024, which includes both exports and imports, but does not provide a direct comparison with Russia's trade figures (U.S. Trade Representative). Therefore, while the specific figures regarding Germany are correct, they do not provide a complete picture of the overall trade dynamics between Ukraine and Russia.

Conclusion

The claim that "trade with Ukraine reached €840 million, while trade with Russia fell to €770 million" is Partially True. The figures are accurate and reflect the trade dynamics between Germany and these two countries. However, the claim lacks context regarding the overall trade relationships of Ukraine and Russia, particularly outside of Germany. Thus, while the statement is correct in its specific context, it does not fully encapsulate the broader trade landscape.

Sources

1. Ukraine | United States Trade Representative
2. ESL Conversation Questions - Restaurants & Eating Out (I-TESL-J)
3. Ukraine Becomes a Larger Trading Partner for Germany Than Russia
4. Ukraine surpasses Russia in trade with Germany for first time
5. ESL Conversation Questions - Food & Eating (I-TESL-J)
6. Ukraine first caught Russia in terms of trade in Germany for the year
7. Ukraine surpasses Russia in trade with Germany for first time
8. Web Site Guides for ESL Students - Restaurant Row