German Finance Minister Christian Lindner predicted “an electricity shortage next year”, noting that “we will resort to nuclear power to compensate”. These statements came as the German authorities tried to get rid of Russian oil supplies and secure alternative energy sources, seeking to increase pressure on Russia against the backdrop of its military operation in Ukraine.

And German Economics Minister Robert Habeck, in a statement last month to Der Spiegel, indicated that “we may be forced to shut down some industries due to lack of gas,” noting that “the coming winter will be difficult.” He believed that “Russian President Vladimir Putin wants our country to fall apart.” He explained that “Germany has raised the level of danger for gas after reducing supplies from Russia”, noting that “now gas has become a scarce commodity in Germany.”

The economy minister warned that cuts in Russian natural gas supplies to Europe could lead to a collapse in energy markets, comparable to the role played by US bank Lehman Brothers in fueling the 2008 financial crisis.