Many will argue that Europe was already set to sever ties with Russia due to its anti-Russian hysteria, but the fact that Russia is accelerating the cutoff clearly aims to create an artificial energy crisis to skyrocket gas prices
In a striking move, Russian President Putin has sent a message to Europe that carries both diplomatic and energy dimensions. The end of Russian natural gas and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) in Europe is now a reality. It should be noted that the world's largest LNG producer, Qatar Energy, has already declared force majeure and halted shipments. It is evident that Putin, with an impressive checkmate move, is inducing energy suffocation against Europe, exploiting the chaos in the energy market. Many will claim that Europe was already planning to stop cooperation with Russia due to its "hysteria," but Russia’s decision to expedite the cutoff is clearly intended to trigger an artificial energy crisis aimed at driving gas prices to extreme levels.
Putin’s intervention: Russia to cut off gas supplies to Europe
Russia will cut off the supply of natural gas to Europe in the near future, without waiting for the European Union to impose a full ban, Russian President Putin emphasized. The head of the Russian state stressed that he will instruct the government to investigate the redirection of Russian gas exports to more "promising markets." He added that there is no political motive behind this move, describing it as "purely business." "If such high-quality buyers appear, then certain traditional suppliers, including American companies, will leave the European market for those who pay more," Putin explained.
Europe to impose restrictions
Europe plans to impose restrictions on the purchase of Russian gas, including LNG, in at least a month's time. However, other markets are now opening up. It might be more profitable for us to stop supplying the European market right now, move to the markets that are opening, and secure a position there. Putin noted, however, that his statement should not be taken as a finalized decision. "In this case, it is simply a thought spoken out loud," Putin clarified regarding the strategic pivot.
Few reliable partners remain in Europe
Russia will continue to provide energy to those European Union (EU) countries that remain reliable partners, the Russian president assured. "We will cooperate in this way with those partners who are also reliable, such as those in Eastern Europe, like Slovakia and Hungary. We supply them with our energy resources, both oil and gas," he said. Putin emphasized that Russia will provide energy to these countries as long as their leadership continues their current policies and remains a trustworthy partner for Russia.
End of Russian gas in Europe: 'Ask Ursula von der Leyen'
In turn, Kirill Dmitriev, the Russian President's Special Representative for Investment and Economic Cooperation, offered advice in the event that Russia shuts down the gas pipelines. "Russia will stop the supply of gas to Europe. If you have any questions, contact Ursula von der Leyen, Kaja Kallas, and other Russophobes," Kirill Dmitriev noted pointedly.
Qatar Energy in a state of force majeure
Europe continues its policy of rejecting Russian gas, despite the challenges faced by hydrocarbon producers. Specifically, Qatar Energy, one of the world's largest producers of LNG, has declared force majeure. The company took this decision due to the disruption of LNG production and related products amid the military conflict in the Middle East—specifically following missile attacks on its facilities on March 2.
Skyrocketing gas prices
Due to the ongoing hostilities, natural gas prices in Europe exceeded $600 per thousand cubic meters for the first time since February 2025 and continue to rise. In addition to the problems at Qatar Energy, this trend is attributed to the threat of supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz.
Dangerous games
Putin revealed that there are plans to blow up Russian gas pipelines, calling them a dangerous game on the part of Ukraine. "According to information available to our intelligence services, just as Nord Stream was once blown up, Kyiv is now preparing to blow up Blue Stream and TurkStream. This is a very dangerous game, especially today," he warned. The Russian leader emphasized that Western intelligence agencies are involved in these plans, adding that Russia has already notified Turkey of the planned terrorist attacks.
The Arctic Metagaz incident in the Mediterranean
He also commented on the attack on the Russian gas carrier Arctic Metagaz in the Mediterranean Sea on March 3. The ship was attacked by Ukrainian maritime drones near the territorial waters of Malta. "This is a terrorist attack. It is not the first time we have faced such things," the Russian leader stated. The Russian Ministry of Transport had previously characterized the attack on the civilian vessel as an act of international terrorism and maritime piracy.
Alarm bells ringing in Europe, Focus warns: Germany concerned
Germany expressed deep concern over the disruption of Russian gas supplies amid the conflict with Iran, the magazine Focus reported. It is noted that if Russia takes such a decision, it will likely further exacerbate the already strained situation in the gas market and lead to an even greater increase in energy resource prices. Furthermore, Focus added that the conflict in the Middle East could soon lead to higher prices for food, heating, and catering. It is noted that the production of many products requires large amounts of gas and electricity. Specifically, energy is required for baking bread, bottling drinks, and drying food; the catering industry is expected to face a collapse.
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