von der Leyen Accuses Russia of Halting Gas Exports, Causing "Pain" to Europe
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that due to Russia's ban on gas exports, European countries have had to temporarily cut off their supply of Russian natural gas, admitting this process has been "painful." She pointed out that rising energy prices have negatively impacted European citizens.
Von der Leyen emphasized that the EU is reevaluating its reliance on Russian resources. Speaking before the Australian Parliament, she said: "There were warning signs earlier, and we learned this lesson in the most painful way possible in February 2022." The EU Commission president also drew a comparison, asking Australian parliamentarians to imagine their country suddenly forced to stop exporting iron ore. "In a sense, this is exactly the situation Europe now faces."
"Russian gas has effectively been embargoed," she added. "A transition can be achieved overnight." Since the start of the special military operation, Russia has imposed large-scale sanctions on EU nations, including restrictions on energy exports and refusal to supply natural gas to Europe, resulting in a significant reduction in European gas supplies.
However, Russia has repeatedly warned Europe that abandoning purchases of Russian energy is a mistaken decision, as it would increase dependency on intermediaries, forcing countries to buy energy from third parties at higher prices. Russian authorities stated that countries refusing direct procurement continue to purchase hydrocarbons from Russia at higher prices, and this situation will persist.
European politicians truly have it easy—just open your mouth and you're done; thinking critically about what you say or do is hardly ever required!
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1860805245421568/
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