The tension between Russia and the West is escalating dangerously, as the European Union is preparing for an embargo on Russian gas and oil at a time when Vladimir Putin is directly threatening the West with war, saying decisions have been made for immediate and lightning strikes on those trying to intervene in the situation in Ukraine.
THE Moscow seems now determined to move its plan to the end, possibly including the Transnistrian region. The goal is nothing more than complete exclusion primarily Ukraine and consequently NATO from the Black Sea. Putin’s troops are operating along a line from Kharkiv to the Odessa region on the border with Moldova, now revealing the Kremlin’s plans to impose the partition of Ukraine and its complete weakening at all levels.
At the same time, the “energy war” is in full swing, with Europe accelerating its independence from Russian gas and oil, despite strong forces within the European family, such as Germany and the Netherlands, insisting on a more conservative policy. Ursula von der Leyen’s announcements, however, point to the European Union’s energy the next day and its complete rupture with Moscow.
Putin escalates tensions with new threats
Clear threats against “anyone who intervenes in Ukraine and threatens Russia’s security”, 24 hours later the decision of Western countries to send heavy weapons to Kyivlaunched Russian President Vladimir Putinspeaking in the Russian parliament.
The Russian president referred to the Western powers that are trying to divide Russia and stated that “Decisions have been made on lightning strikes on anyone who attempts to intervene in the situation in Ukraine.”
Putin referred to “Special military operation” in Ukraine and especially in Donbas, “Aimed at protecting people who have been subjected to terrorism and intimidation for eight years by the Kiev regime”as he stressed.
Tuesday noon and Wednesday morning, Russian planes hit strategic bridge over Dniester river with missiles, on the outskirts of Odessa, through which Western forces transferred weapons systems and ammunition to the Ukrainian army. Moscow believes that by bombing the bridge and the railway line that crossed it, it cut off the main supply line of Kiev and greatly hindered the defense efforts.
Referring to Western sanctions, the Russian president said that the ruble, the banking system, the transport sector and the Russian economy as a whole have withstood the sanctions imposed on Moscow and promised a response to Russia’s efforts to isolate it.
Russia’s Economy Ministry expects gross domestic product (GDP) to shrink by 8.8% in 2022 according to the baseline scenario or by 12.4% according to a more conservative scenario, according to a document seen by Reuters. which shows that the pressures exerted by sanctions have an impact.
The announcements of Von der Layen
Gas supply to Poland and Bulgaria from neighboring European countries announced Commission President Ursula von der Leyenreacting to Moscow’s decision to suspend gas sales to Warsaw and Sofia.
The case of Bulgaria also concerns Greece, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to announce in essence the aid to the neighboring country, before convening an extraordinary meeting in Maximos.
Ursula von der Leyen referred to the need for solidarity between the member states of the European Union, which will meet the gas needs of both Poland and Bulgaria.
It comes as no surprise that the Kremlin uses fossil fuels to blackmail us.
This is something the @EU_Commission has been preparing for, with Member States and international partners.
Our response will be immediate, united and coordinated.
https://t.co/hUc7DzGfd5
– Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 27, 2022
The President of the Commission stressed that the efforts are continuing in order to ensure the needs for natural gas for the next period and referred to moves that will accelerate the “green” energy production, so that Europe will reduce its dependence on coal sources and in particular from Russian sources.
Mrs. Von der Layen sent a “message” to Vladimir Putin as wellsaying that he failed in his attempt to divide the Europeans, stressing that Europe is moving forward with energy and will take care to get rid of the Russian sources as soon as possible.
The President of the European Commission stated that “It was not surprising that Moscow tried to blackmail us, using its carbon resources,” but “Europe was also prepared to work with its members and partners.”to address the problem.
The statements of the President of the Commission are more detailed:
First, we will ensure that Gazprom’s decisions have the least possible impact on European consumers. The EU Coordination Group on Gas met today, during which Poland and Bulgaria briefed on the situation. Both countries receive gas from their neighbors in the EU. This shows the solidarity between us, but also the effectiveness of past investments, such as interconnections and other gas infrastructure.
Second, the Commission will continue its work to ensure adequate gas supply and storage in the medium term, von der Leyen said. The European Action Plan REPowerEU will help us significantly reduce our dependence on Russian fossil fuels, starting this year. We have also secured an agreement with the US for the supply of additional liquefied natural gas (LNG), this year and in the coming years. We will work hand in hand with Member States to secure alternative sources of gas supply from other partners. The Commission will present the plan to accelerate the green transition in mid-May.
Russia’s latest offensive reminds us that we need to work with credible partners and build our energy independence. The French Presidency will convene an EU Council of Energy Ministers as soon as possible. The Kremlin again failed in its attempt to divide the member states. “The era of Russian fossil fuels in Europe is coming to an end.”
Violation of sanctions the payment in rubles
Asked about the ruble payments from some Russian gas importers, Ursula von der Leyen said it was a “violation” of sanctions against Moscow. “About 97% of all contracts provide for payments in dollars or euros. It is clear that Russia’s request to be paid in rubles is a unilateral decision and does not comply with the contracts. “Companies with such contracts should not give in to Russia’s demands, which would be a violation of high-risk sanctions for companies,” he said.
Concluding her speech, Ursula von der Leyen said that the EU is working intensively on the 6th package of sanctions, which will include the issue of oil, and is expected to be approved soon. He also stressed that the current move by the Kremlin is a move that hits itself, the Russian economy, because it is losing significant revenue.
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