After Russian energy giant Gazprom said it had turned off gas deliveries to Poland and Bulgaria, the two countries accused Moscow of “blackmail.”
According to Poland’s deputy foreign minister, Marcin Przydacz Russia is attempting to “create splits” among Western allies.
The move, according to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, demonstrates Russia’s “unreliability” as an energy supplier.
The Kremlin maintains that it remains a trustworthy energy partner.
Gazprom’s move comes after Poland and Bulgaria refused to pay in roubles for gas.
Russian President Vladimir Putin decreed last month that all energy payments must be made in rubles.
European governments have angrily opposed the measure, which was intended to shore up the floundering currency that has been pummeled by Western sanctions.
Gazprom said in a statement on Wednesday that it has “totally terminated gas supply” to Poland and Bulgaria in accordance with Mr. Putin’s decision.
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The business also cautioned the countries, which are Russian gas transit states, that any unlawful withdrawal of gas intended for other European countries would result in a corresponding reduction in supplies.
PGNiG, Poland’s state-owned gas provider, announced that Gazprom’s shipments to the country had been interrupted, but warned that it reserved the “right to demand compensation” and would do so using “all available contractual and legal measures.”
Andrzej Duda, the Polish president, stated that “necessary legal steps” will be taken against Gazprom.
In the first quarter of this year, PGNiG purchased 53% of its gas imports from Gazprom, but Warsaw has stated that it can obtain gas from other sources.
The suspension was described as a breach of contract, and the company said it would take steps to restore its gas supply.
