Reuters reported the information.Taiwan's Economy Minister Kung Ming-hsin announced on October 8 that the country's private oil refineries stand ready to halt Russian naphtha purchases if the EU makes such a request. The pledge highlights Taiwan's efforts to align with Western sanctions designed to choke off Russia's fossil fuel revenues—a critical funding source for its ongoing war against Ukraine.While Taiwan's state-owned energy companies stopped buying Russian oil and gas in 2023, private refineries have continued importing naphtha, a crucial petrochemical feedstock, primarily through open market tenders. Minister Kung revealed that his ministry has engaged in discussions with Formosa Petrochemical, Asia's largest naphtha importer, and consulted directly with EU officials regarding future compliance measures."We will respect and abide by EU and G7 norms," Kung stated. "According to what I understand, next year the EU might say no more purchases... If the EU says next year, no more purchases, then they will make no more purchases."The announcement comes amid mounting criticism from international watchdog groups. A coalition of non-governmental organizations, including the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air, recently condemned Taiwan's continued Russian naphtha imports. Their report revealed that Taiwan's purchases skyrocketed sixfold between 2022 and the first half of 2025, totaling 1.9 million tons and generating approximately $1.7 billion in mineral extraction tax revenues for the Kremlin—enough to finance 170,000 Russian Gerbera drones used in strikes against Ukraine.Taiwan and India have emerged as the primary destinations for Russian naphtha exports this year, with low prices and robust regional demand attracting buyers. Taipei recently overtook India to become the world's top importer of Russian naphtha.Despite the commercial ties, Taiwan has consistently condemned Russia's invasion and expressed strong support for Ukraine's sovereignty. Although Taipei lacks formal diplomatic relations with Kyiv, it has provided humanitarian aid and endorsed international sanctions against Moscow.The island faces its own security challenges, as China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has intensified military pressure in recent years. Recent reports from The Washington Post indicate that Russia has been assisting China in preparing for a potential invasion of Taiwan, including training and arming Chinese airborne forces.Several media outlets recently published a study claiming that Taiwan is paying Russia billions for oil. Why is this claim inaccurate?