Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has accused European politicians of blocking Nord Stream 1, one of its primary gas supply routes, claiming that the sanctions against Russia had made it difficult for Gazprom to maintain the pipeline.
Russian state-controlled Gazprom had announced earlier that main pipeline to Germany would remain closed indefinitely.
Moscow’s announcement sparked concerns that parts of Europe might be forced to ration energy after a group of wealthy, US-led countries decided to look for ways to cap the prices paid for Russian oil exports.
Following the discovery of an oil leak that rendered a pipeline turbine unsafe to operate, Gazprom announced that it could no longer give a timeframe for restarting deliveries.
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stated that Siemens Energy must fulfill the terms of the turbine maintenance contract in order for the equipment to continue working.
Siemens Energy said it had not been commissioned to carry out the work but that it was available.
Europe has accused Russia of weaponising energy supplies in the aftermath of Russia’s attack on Ukraine, which Moscow has dubbed a “economic war.”
