Europe’s relations with Russia are at their lowest point in decades. At the same time, the Continent’s buying more Russian natural gas than ever. Europe vowed to free itself from the Russian stranglehold on its energy supply, after gas shipments headed west were twice disrupted. Now a plan to double Russian gas shipments to Germany, the biggest buyer, through a new pipeline is dividing European leaders and becoming a growing worry for the U.S. There are fears the links will enhance Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ability to use natural gas to squeeze critics and reward allies.
OP-ED
Anna Shiryaevskaya, Elena Mazneva: Russian gas
Gazprom Chief Executive Officer Alexei Miller (L) and Russian President Vladimir Putin attend a video conference dedicated to the opening new sports facilities built as a part of Gazprom's "Gazprom for Children" social program at his country residence of Novo-Ogaryovo outside Moscow on Feb. 16.
