Russia has initiated its biggest counterattack against EU sanctions by cutting the flow of gas to Poland and Bulgaria because of their refusal to use a new payment mechanism that allows Moscow to access the cash it receives for its energy exports.
The move by Gazprom, Russia’s state-backed gas supplier, has jolted global gas markets, pushing prices higher and providing a reminder of the Kremlin’s willingness to withhold energy exports from Europe.
As well as heightening fears over the bloc’s energy security, the decision by two member states to reject the Kremlin’s new method of payment — which involves converting euros into roubles via special accounts opened at Gazprombank — and endure an end to gas flows has pushed the question of European unity against Russia to the forefront.