German Chancellor Olaf Scholz publicly complained at a meeting of the ruling party that "Russia cut off gas to Europe and Germany**, forcing Berlin to activate gas terminal reserves". This is a rare thing, as Germany has always been an important customer of Russian gas and there is close economic cooperation between the two countries. So why would Russia take such measures against Germany?What is Putin's purpose?
Russia believes that the EU has exerted unfair pressure and sanctions on Russia in the Ukraine crisis, NATO expansion, human rights issues, etc., to the detriment of Russia's interests and dignity. Russia hopes to force the EU to change its attitude and policy towards Russia by imposing counter-sanctions on the EU by cutting off gas **.
It is also believed that Germany is one of the toughest countries against Russia within the EU, and supports sanctions against Russia, hindering strategic cooperation between Russia and Germany. Russia hopes to put pressure on Germany by cutting off natural gas**, forcing Germany to reconcile its position on Russia within the EU and promote dialogue and cooperation between Russia and Germany.
Nord Stream 2 is a pipeline that transports natural gas directly from Russia to Germany via the Baltic Sea, and is an important energy project between Russia and Germany. However, the project has been strongly opposed by the United States and other countries in the European Union, arguing that it will increase Europe's energy dependence on Russia and threaten Europe's energy security and geopolitical stability. Russia hopes to increase Russia's energy influence in Europe by cutting off natural gas** and putting pressure on Germany to speed up the construction and commissioning of Nord Stream 2.
Germany and Europe have abundant natural gas reserves that can cope with Russian supply cuts in the short term. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that Germany has enough gas reserves to last for several months** without problems with heating and power generation. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) can also be imported from other countries and regions, such as Norway, Algeria, the Middle East, the United States, etc., to make up for Russia's shortfall. Germany has built several LNG terminals that can receive LNG from all over the world**.
Germany and Europe are aware that over-reliance on Russian gas is detrimental to Europe's energy security and strategic autonomy. Therefore, Germany and Europe have accelerated the pace of energy diversification and transformation, developing renewable energy, such as wind, solar, hydro, etc., to reduce the consumption and emissions of fossil energy, and achieve the goal of carbon neutrality.
Due to the increase in global energy demand and the tightness of the world, natural gas has reached an all-time high. Russia, as the world's largest exporter of natural gas, can take advantage of this opportunity to demand higher ** from Germany and Europe, thereby increasing Russia's fiscal revenue and foreign exchange reserves.
Russia knows that although Germany and Europe have countermeasures, it will be difficult to get rid of their dependence on Russian gas in the short term. Therefore, Russia can use natural gas** as a bargaining chip to make more demands on Germany and Europe, such as easing sanctions against Russia, supporting the operation of Nord Stream 2, respecting Russia's interests in Ukraine and other regions, etc.
Russia knows that Germany and Europe do not agree on their attitudes and policies toward Russia. Some countries, such as France, Italy, Greece, etc., prefer to maintain good relations with Russia rather than confront it. Thus, Russia can use gas ** as a tool of differentiation, offering more favorable terms to these countries, thereby weakening the unity and unity of Europe.
Putin pressured Germany by cutting off gas**, highlighting the energy game under geopolitics. Germany and Europe should accelerate energy diversification and reduce dependence on Russia. At the same time, Putin's strategy may be to squeeze more returns from natural gas. Germany and Europe need to respond cautiously and maintain an independent stance to ensure regional security and prosperity. This situation reminds the international community to remain vigilant between cooperation and competition in the energy sector, and urges all parties to jointly explore sustainable and stable energy paths. Putin