Putin is using energy as a weapon again: the head of the European Commission on Austria without Russian gas
Kyiv • UNN
Russia halted gas transit to Austria via Ukraine after OMV offset €230 million in arbitration fees. Von der Leyen announces that the EU is ready for winter and that gas storage facilities are fully filled.
The head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen reacted to the suspension of gas supplies by Russian Gazprom to Austria and noted that the Russian dictator "uses energy as a weapon," UNN reports.
"Putin is once again using energy as a weapon. He is trying to blackmail Austria and Europe by cutting gas supplies. We are ready for this and ready for winter. The EU's gas storage facilities are full," the European Commission President said.
In addition, von der Leyen added that Europe is united in supporting Austria.
Addendum
On November 16, Russia's Gazprom halts gas transit through Ukraine to Austria.
This followed the decision of the Austrian company OMV to deduct from the accounts under the contract with Gazprom the 230 million euros received in arbitration against Gazprom. OMV then warned of a "possible suspension of gas supplies" from Russia.
