Russian President Putin is considering ending most gas supplies to Europe. According to him, more attractive sales markets are emerging outside the EU, where countries are willing to pay more. The statements come at a time when Europe is working on a complete ban on Russian gas imports by the end of 2027.
Putin: Maybe better to stop now
Putin said on Russian state television that he is ordering his government to investigate whether gas supplies can be diverted to other markets. According to him, new possibilities are opening up now that the relationship with Europe is deteriorating.
The EU wants to introduce a gradual ban on both Russian pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) by the end of 2027. Russia therefore sees less and less of a future in the European energy market and does not want to wait until the ban is a fact.
Europe is still partly dependent
Despite the significant decline since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia still supplies gas to a number of European countries. Serbia, Hungary and Slovakia still receive pipeline gas. In addition, liquefied natural gas comes from the Yamal LNG project of the Russian energy company Novatek.
In 2025, Russian gas still accounted for around 13% of the EU’s total gas imports, a value of more than 15 billion euros per year. Putin emphasized that Russia remains willing to supply what he calls “reliable partners”, such as Hungary and Slovakia. He spoke about this during a meeting with Hungarian Foreign Minister Szijjártó in the Kremlin.
Gas prices at highest level in three years
European gas prices reached their highest level in three years this week due to rising tensions in the Middle East. Prices later cooled slightly after the US announced its intention to protect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
If Russia actually stops supplying while supplies via the Middle East are also under pressure, Europe could be hit on two fronts at the same time.
Source: https://newsbit.nl/poetin-dreigt-gasleveringen-aan-europa-volledig-te-stoppen/
