Putin says to Europe: open Nord Stream 2 if you want gas

Nord Stream 2, which lies roughly parallel to Nord Stream 1 on the bed of the Baltic Sea, was built a year ago, but Germany decided to halt construction just days before Russia sent troops to Ukraine on February 24. It was determined.

European gas prices have more than doubled since the beginning of the year as Russian supplies dwindle.

This year’s price hikes have put pressure on already distressed consumers and forced some industries to halt production.

Europe has accused Russia of weaponizing its energy supply in retaliation for Western sanctions it imposed on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine. Russia says the West has launched an economic war and sanctions are preventing the NordStream 1 pipeline from operating.

Russia has suspended gas supplies to several countries, including Bulgaria and Poland, after refusing to pay in rubles instead of the contract currency.

Russian gas giant Gazprom also said earlier this month that Europe’s main supply route, the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, remained shut after a compressor station turbine had an engine oil leak that sent wholesale gas prices skyrocketing. Said it would be