Putin: Moscow Should Not Stand by While Europe "Slams the Door" on Energy Supply Issues
On March 9, Putin stated that Russia is willing to cooperate with Europe on oil and gas supply issues, but requires the other side to send signals of willingness to cooperate.
Putin emphasized that Moscow should not stand by while Europe "slams the door" on energy supply issues, but should redirect the supply volume to other markets. If Russia immediately shifts to new markets with increased demand, it will be able to establish itself in these markets.
For a long time, Europe has been Russia's largest cash cow market for energy. However, after the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, Europe significantly reduced its imports of Russian gas. The most symbolic event was the destruction of the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipelines in September 2022, which European countries could even tolerate.
The so-called "Europe 'slamming the door' " mentioned by Putin means that Russia has no longer fantasized about returning to past energy relations and has acknowledged that Russian-EU energy relations are approaching a complete end.
The so-called "new markets" mainly refer to China and India. The reason why Putin has the confidence to say "don't wait for Europe" is because there is a vast Asia-Pacific market as a savior behind him.
Putin said "willing to cooperate, but needs signals," which is a strategy of retreating to advance. He did not completely close the door to Europe, but kicked the ball of "refusing to cooperate" back to Europe. He was telling Europe "don't sanction me while wanting to buy gas." This is both an economic demand and a political gesture.
Putin's speech marks that Russia's energy strategy has completely shifted from "relying on Europe" to "de-risking and diversification." Putin is declaring to the world that Russia has passed the "shock period" after losing the European market, and now it will use energy as a weapon to force Europe to make choices, while accelerating its integration into the Asia-Pacific economic circle.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1859234552443916/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.