Gas crisis between Russia and Ukraine: supplies to Europe disrupted

The suspension of Russian gas supplies through Ukraine exacerbates the economic conflict and changes the energy balance in Europe

The truce on gas supplies from Russia to Europe, which was maintained despite the war in Ukraine, has been interrupted. To date, Ukrainian pipelines have continued to transit Russian gas to the West, while payments for energy have continued to flow into Moscow’s coffers. This fragile balance, dictated by mutual economic convenience, has now broken down, marking a new chapter in the economic war parallel to the military conflict.

The strategic importance of gas

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, energy has become a crucial battleground. Western sanctions aimed at isolating Russia, weakening it economically and making the war effort unsustainable. However, Moscow managed to mitigate the effects of the sanctions by further opening its markets to partners such as China, India and North Korea. At the same time, the West had to maintain some economic ties, especially in the energy sector, to avoid an immediate shock.

A turning point in the gas war

The disruption of gas supplies through Ukraine marks an important turning point. This event could have significant consequences on two fronts: for Russia, the economic contribution from the energy sector is further reduced, exacerbating the domestic economic crisis already characterised by high inflation and industrial production mainly linked to the war. For Europe, the interruption of Russian gas poses new challenges, especially for those countries that still depended on these supplies to fuel their economies.

International reactions

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the gas interruption as ‘one of Moscow’s greatest defeats’, while Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, accused the United States and the Ukrainian government of being responsible for the situation. Meanwhile, in Europe, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico emphasised the impact this disruption will have on the European Union, while Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski saw the event as a ‘new victory’ for the West, following NATO’s expansion with Finland and Sweden.

The gas war brings back memories of the months following the start of the Russian invasion and could accelerate the search for a solution to the conflict, although it is still too early to predict the timing and conditions of a possible peace agreement.

THE LATEST NEWS

• International-News

EU designates Iran’s Pasdaran as a terrorist organization

29 Gennaio 2026

Decision announced by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. New sanctions target senior Iranian officials and regime-linked entities The European...

Read More

• International-News

Doomsday Clock Moves Closer to Midnight Amid Nuclear and Climate Risks

28 Gennaio 2026

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists sets the clock at 85 seconds to midnight, warning of nuclear escalation, climate change,...

Read More

• International-News

Prince Andrew palace spies fuel concern inside the royal family

28 Gennaio 2026

According to reports, Prince Andrew relies on his daughters to stay informed about palace affairs, alarming Kate Middleton and raising...

Read More

• International-News

Fico shocked by Trump after Mar-a-Lago meeting, Politico reports

28 Gennaio 2026

According to Politico, the Slovak prime minister shared concerns with EU leaders about Donald Trump’s psychological state. Both Bratislava and...

Read More

• International-News

North Korea to Reveal the Next Phase of Its Nuclear Deterrence Plan

28 Gennaio 2026

Kim Jong-Un announces upcoming strategy update at Workers’ Party Congress following ballistic missile test North Korea is set to disclose...

Read More

• International-News

Strait of Hormuz Iranian risk is becoming a permanent threat to global energy security

27 Gennaio 2026

Military buildup, asymmetric warfare, and constant instability are reshaping the strategic balance in the Strait of Hormuz The Strait of...

Read More

• International-News

US-Iran crisis enters decisive phase amid military buildup and diplomacy

27 Gennaio 2026

Washington reinforces its naval presence while Tehran prepares layered defenses and retaliation options across the region The US-Iran crisis enters...

Read More

• International-News

USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group in the Middle East as tensions rise with Iran

27 Gennaio 2026

The U.S. Navy strike group boosts American firepower in the region amid heightened geopolitical pressure The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier...

Read More

(Photo: © AndKronos)