Speaking to reporters on Monday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov blamed sanctions “imposed against our country by Western countries, including Germany and the United Kingdom,” for Russia’s failure to deliver natural gas through the Nord pipeline. Stream 1. “There are no other reasons that would cause problems with pumping,” Peskov was quoted as saying by the Interfax news agency. Peskov added that the full resumption of gas supplies from Russia via Nord Stream 1 “undoubtedly” depends on whether the West lifts its sanctions on Moscow. “It is these sanctions imposed by Western states that brought the situation to what we are seeing now.” Peskov’s remarks on Monday are the clearest indication yet that Russia intends to force the EU to lift sanctions imposed on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine in exchange for Russia resuming gas supplies. Top Russian energy supplier Gazprom announced late Friday that the suspension of gas supplies heading west through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline would be extended indefinitely, citing “malfunctions” at a turbine along the pipeline. Gazprom also blamed Western sanctions for halting gas deliveries, saying that the construction company Siemens could not carry out repairs on the turbines used in Nord Stream 1 because of sanctions against the Russian state energy company. The EU rejected Gazprom’s claims, accusing Putin of rigging its gas exports. Nord Stream 1 is the single largest natural gas pipeline from Russia to Europe and has the capacity to deliver 55 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas per year. Continuous supplies through the pipeline are seen as vital to prevent a deepening of the energy crisis. The energy crisis in Europe, caused by lower flows of Russian natural gas, is seen as a major test of the bloc’s support for Ukraine. Archie Bland and Nimo Omer take you to the top stories and what they mean, free every weekday morning Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain information about charities, online advertising and content sponsored by external parties. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. After failing to achieve most of its military goals in Ukraine, analysts believe the Kremlin is hoping record energy prices combined with possible food shortages this winter will prompt Europe to heavily arm Ukraine in a truce with Moscow terms. Russian officials are eager to point to growing anger in the EU over rising prices, with Peskov saying on Monday that it was clear life was “getting worse for people, businessmen and companies in Europe”. “Of course, ordinary people in these countries will have more and more questions about their leaders,” he said.
