Gas compressor stationLONDON, Jan 24The British authorities fear that Russia could allegedly use its natural resources as a «weapon» and cut gas supplies to Europe in response to the imposition of sanctions by the West due to the escalation in Ukraine, the Times writes. Plans attributed to Russia to escalate the situation around Ukraine in Moscow they categorically deny and constantly say that they are not threatening anyone. According to the newspaper, British government ministers previously participated in a meeting that discussed the impact of a possible reduction in Russian gas supplies on prices in the United Kingdom. Ministers were warned that the country could face «record» gas and gasoline prices.
"Unlike a number of countries, the UK hardly imports Russian gas. But, like all countries, we are at risk of rising wholesale prices, which will become a serious problem if Russia further restricts supplies,” an unnamed senior official told the publication.
According to the newspaper, other European countries depend on Russian gas more than Britain. In particular, about 40% of Germany's supplies come from Russia, while Sweden and Finland are «almost completely dependent» on Russian gas. Britain received less than 3% of its gas from Russia in 2020, a British government spokesman told the newspaper. aggressive actions», emphasizing that he does not threaten anyone and does not intend to attack anyone. Tensions in the region are being fueled by the United States and other countries of the North Atlantic Alliance, which have increased the number of exercises in the Black Sea. As Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov noted earlier, NATO is increasing arms supplies to Ukraine, where the number of Western instructors has increased. According to the diplomat, this could provoke the Ukrainian authorities «to military adventures,» which poses a direct threat to Russia's security. Kiev sent half of the entire personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to the Donbass, the department noted. Moscow believes that the West is trying to create a grouping of troops near the Russian borders. Experts attribute the recent increase in gas prices in Europe to several factors: the low level of occupancy of European underground storage facilities (after a long cold winter and hot summer), limited supply from major suppliers and high demand for liquefied natural gas in Asia.