Ukraine war: Russia cuts gas to Poland and Bulgaria in major escalation
- Bulgaria has accused Russia of abusing its gas exports as an economic and political weapon, and says it ‘will not negotiate under pressure’
- President Vladimir Putin demanded that ‘unfriendly’ countries pay for gas imports in roubles; Ukraine has accused Russia of blackmailing Europe over energy
Bulgaria accused Russia of abusing its gas exports as an economic and political weapon, following the announcement by Russian energy company Gazprom that it would stop supplying the EU country.
“Bulgaria will not negotiate under pressure,” Energy Minister Alexander Nikolov said, adding that the supply for important clients was secure for at least another month. Further steps will be decided at a meeting of experts on Wednesday.
“Bulgaria is a long-term loyal partner on the basis of the existing agreement, which sees payments in dollars,” he said.
On Wednesday, Russian energy giant Gazprom halted gas supplies to Bulgaria and Poland for failing to pay for gas in roubles, the Kremlin’s toughest response yet to the crippling sanctions imposed by the West for the invasion of Ukraine.
Poland and Bulgaria are the first countries to have their gas cut off by Europe’s main supplier since the February 24 invasion of Ukraine that has killed thousands of people, displaced millions more and raised fears of a broader conflict.
