European Gas Crisis Deepens as Ukraine Blocks Russian Supplies
The crisis in the European gas market deepened on Wednesday as Ukraine stopped Russian gas supplies to the region, leading to higher prices, shortages, and even complete power outages in the breakaway region of Transnistria, Moldova.
The move by Ukraine came after Kiev refused to renew an agreement that allowed Russia to use its pipeline network, with Ukraine demanding transit fees for the use of its own infrastructure. The gas was being supplied to Moldova, Romania, Poland, Hungary, and the Slovak Republic before reaching Austria and Italy.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski welcomed the decision, calling it a “victory for the West.” He also criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for investing billions in the Nord Stream pipeline project to bypass Ukraine and exert pressure on Eastern Europe with the threat of gas supply cuts.
Sikorski referred to the two Nord Stream pipelines that connected Russia to Germany, which were damaged in a sabotage attack in 2022. He continued, “Today, Ukraine has cut off Putin’s ability to export gas directly to the EU.”
The Polish minister viewed the decision as a “further victory” after the expansion of NATO by Finland and Sweden.
The decision by Kiev has led to a surge in gas prices in the EU, reaching 50 euros per megawatt-hour, a level not seen since October 2023. The Slovak Republic, which is heavily reliant on Russian gas imports through Ukraine, and the EU candidate country of Moldova, which generates most of its power with Russian gas, are being severely affected by the supply cut.