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EU Leaders "Plunging Europe Into Darkness" By Rejecting Russian Gas: Moscow

The Russian Foreign Ministry accuses European leaders of deliberately causing an energy crisis by rejecting Russian resources. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has reaffirmed the EU's categorical ban on procuring Russian natural gas. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is leading resistance, warning of severe risks to regional energy security and urging a review of sanctions. The dispute centers on oil delivery disruptions via the Druzhba pipeline, heightening tensions within the EU and with Ukraine.

Key Points: EU Rejects Russian Gas Amid Crisis, Moscow Blames Leaders

  • Moscow blames EU leaders for energy crisis
  • Von der Leyen confirms ban on Russian gas
  • Orban urges EU to suspend energy sanctions
  • Supply disruptions hit Hungary and Slovakia
  • Tensions rise over Druzhba pipeline
2 min read

EU leaders plunging Europe into crisis by rejecting Russian energy: Moscow

Russia accuses EU leaders of causing an energy crisis by rejecting Russian gas, as Hungary's Orban urges sanctions review over supply fears.

"It is not a technical disaster... but rather the decisions of its own leaders, who are simply flipping the switch. - Maria Zakharova"

Moscow, March 21

European politicians are deliberately plunging their countries into crisis and darkness by continuing to reject Russian energy resources, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Friday.

"It is not a technical disaster nor any natural cataclysms that are causing the global crisis in the European Union (EU), but rather the decisions of its own leaders, who are simply flipping the switch," Maria Zakharova said in a post on her Telegram channel.

On Friday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed the EU's unwavering position, which categorically precludes member states from procuring Russian natural gas even in the event of a severe energy crisis in Europe, amid the escalation of tensions in the Middle East.

The stance had met with resistance from some of its member countries, heavily reliant on Russian energy supplies, reports Xinhua news agency.

Earlier this month, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban called on the EU to review and suspend sanctions on Russian energy, warning that rising oil prices and supply disruptions pose risks to regional energy security.

In a video message posted on social media, Orban had said the increase in fuel prices in Hungary was linked to what he described as a "Ukrainian oil blockade" and escalating tensions in the Middle East. He said he had sent a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urging the EU to reconsider sanctions imposed on Russian energy.

"The Ukrainian oil blockade now represents the most serious threat not only to Hungary and Slovakia but also to the entire EU," Orban said.

He added that the Hungarian government must prevent gasoline and diesel prices from rising to "unbearable levels," noting that an extraordinary government meeting had been convened to address the issue.

Hungary and Slovakia have recently faced disruptions in oil deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline, which transports Russian crude oil to Central Europe via Ukraine.

The situation has heightened tensions between the two countries and Ukraine, while raising concerns about the potential impact on regional energy supplies.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Orban has a point. Sanctions should be reviewed if they are hurting the common people more than the intended target. Europe's winter is no joke, and without reliable energy, the suffering will be immense. Hope they find a solution soon.
A
Aman W
Watching from India, this feels like a lesson in geopolitics. Energy independence is crucial. We've been diversifying our sources too. Maybe Europe's crisis will accelerate their green transition? 🤔
S
Sarah B
It's a difficult moral and practical dilemma. Standing up to aggression is important, but so is keeping homes warm and industries running. The Hungarian PM's warning about "unbearable levels" of prices is something every citizen can relate to.
V
Vikram M
Russia's spokesperson is being deliberately provocative. But she's highlighting a real split in the EU. Countries like Hungary and Slovakia, which are more dependent, are right to voice concerns. Unity is good, but not at any cost.
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Karthik V
With respect to the EU's position, I think it's a bit rigid. The world is interconnected. A crisis in Europe affects global markets, including ours. A more flexible approach that considers ground realities might be wiser. Just my two paise.

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