the recent problems with gas deliveries in Europe are the fault of the West, accuses Russia

Moscow denies wanting to cut off the gas tap. The Kremlin assured, Thursday, July 21, that all the technical problems of Russian gas delivery to Europe were caused by Westerners. “It is these restrictions that prevent repairs to equipment, including turbines at compressor stations”affirmed the Russian presidency.

In recent weeks, Moscow had reduced gas deliveries by 60% via the Nord Stream gas pipeline, citing the absence of a turbine under maintenance in Canada. These two pipes, connected directly to Germany, were then shut down for ten days for annual maintenance.

Russia restarted the Nord Stream gas pipeline on Thursday, a vital supply for EU energy security this winter. Initial data published by the German network operator shows that the speed is identical to that before the maintenance, around 40% of the capacity.

The Russian presidency has also judged “completely false” the accusations against Moscow of “blackmail” to gas towards Europeans. In the context of the conflict in Ukraine, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, affirmed on Wednesday that Vladimir Putin was using gas as a “a weapon”. Echoing recent remarks by the Russian president, the Kremlin repeated on Thursday that the Russian gas giant Gazprom would fill “all its obligations”.

After the ten days of annual maintenance of the gas pipeline which directly connects the Siberian gas fields to the north of Germany, Europe was prepared for the energy company Gazprom, owner of the pipe, to cut the tap for good .