Russia launches gas embargo on 2 NATO states

Israel National News reports: “Russia initiated an oil embargo on two NATO member states in Europe Wednesday, sending energy prices soaring across much of Europe.

Moscow announced Wednesday afternoon that it will be freezing the sale of gas from the Russian state-controlled Gazprom company to Poland and Bulgaria. Russia supplies Poland with half of its gasoline, while Bulgaria relies on Russia of some 90% of its gasoline needs.

Bulgaria is now in talks with Turkey and Greece to import liquefied natural gas to fill the gap left by the Russian embargo.

Gazprom said the freeze was due to the refusal to pay for the oil in Russian rubles, a condition laid out by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Dmitry Peskov, Putin’s press secretary, went further, telling reporters that Russia may cut off energy sales to other European countries if the demand it receives payment in rubles is not met.

The announcement comes a day after the US and NATO allies vowed to increase military aid to Ukraine.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Wednesday’s decision was tantamount to ‘blackmail’…”

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