Russian energy giant Gazprom on Tuesday threatened to cut gas supplies to Moldova, accusing Ukraine of encroaching on part of the gas exported to the territory of Moldova. “The volume of gas supplied by Gazprom at the Suja crossing point for its transportation to Moldova through the territory of Ukraine exceeded [en realidad] el volumen” que llegó a la frontera entre Ukraina y Moldavia, denunció la empresa propiedad del Estado russo.

According to Gazprom, in November, Ukraine illegally received about 52.5 million cubic meters of gas, as it was left with a part of supplies to other countries. The Russian group threatened to “reduce gas supplies at the Suja crossing point (…) from November 28 at 10:00 (07:00 GMT)” if Ukraine continues to move closer to the gas exports of other countries.

These threats come at a time when temperatures in Europe are falling, which has increased demand for gas, especially for heating. Before the military intervention in Ukraine, Russia was the main exporter of gas to the countries of the European Union (EU). Because of the embargo, 27 EU countries have tightened their sanctions policy against Moscow since the start of the offensive, and according to European authorities, Russian gas now accounts for less than 10% of gas imports.

Ukraine on Tuesday denied claims by Russian state gas company Gazprom that it was taking gas destined for Moldova and accused Russia of using energy as a political tool to limit supplies to Europe. Accusing Ukraine of stopping the volume of gas destined for Moldova, “Gazprom” announced that it may start reducing gas supplies to Moldova via Ukraine from November 28.

Russia is not the first to use gas as a tool of political pressure. This is a gross manipulation of the facts to justify the decision to further limit the volume of gas supplies to European countries,” said the statement of the operator of the GTS of Ukraine. GCOU reported that all natural gas “received from the Russian Federation at the entry point Suja for further transportation to Moldovan consumers was transferred in full to the exit points (…) of Moldova.”

Moldova’s president warned on Monday that his country is bracing for a tough winter as it faces an energy crisis and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine threatens energy supplies and raises prices. Gazprom wanted to deny Moldova, a small ex-Soviet republic bordering Ukraine, the ability to use Ukraine’s gas transportation system and the country’s underground gas storage facilities to increase its dependence on Russian gas early in the warm-up period, the HCEU said. season. Ukrainian state energy company Naftogaz added on Twitter: “Gazprom once again accused Ukraine of stealing gas.” Summarizing: no es cierto.”