German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for “the need to maintain European unity in light of the growing complexities in the world”, saying that “Russia is trying to influence European decisions by reducing gas imports, and we will focus on keeping gas prices at reasonable levels.” reduce costs for European consumers.

The Russian chairman, the “Kremlin”, confirmed earlier today that “Russia is committed to its gas supply obligations, but is unable to fulfill them due to sanctions.”

Significantly, the Russian authorities today cut off gas supplies via the main gas pipeline to Europe, escalating the economic battle between Moscow and Brussels and raising the prospects for recession and energy rationing in some of the richest countries in the region.

Data from entry points connecting Nord Stream 1 to Germany’s gas network showed that pipeline flows to Germany via the Baltic Sea have been reduced to zero due to maintenance work that is due to continue until early Saturday morning.