Wed Jan 01 14:41:32 UTC 2025: ## Russia’s Gas Taps to Europe Shut Off, Triggering Energy Crisis Fears

**Kyiv, Ukraine** – Russia’s dominance of the European Union’s energy market officially ended on New Year’s Day, as the flow of Russian gas through Ukraine was halted. This move, a result of Ukraine refusing to renew a transit deal amid the ongoing war, is expected to trigger an energy crisis, particularly in Eastern European countries.

For over 40 years, the Soviet-era Urengoy-Pomary-Uzhgorod pipeline, traversing Ukraine, was a major artery for Russian gas to Europe. Before the 2022 invasion, Russia supplied roughly 35% of the EU’s gas; that figure has plummeted to less than 10% following the shuttering of multiple pipelines. The recent halt marks the complete severing of this long-standing route.

Ukraine’s decision, while depriving Russia of significant revenue used to fund its war effort, leaves countries like Austria, Slovakia, and Moldova facing potential energy shortages, especially during the harsh winter months. Transnistria, a breakaway region of Moldova, has already cut off heating and hot water to residents.

While the European Union claims to be prepared, the impact will be felt. Slovakia estimates the cost of securing alternative gas routes at €177 million ($184 million), and anticipates price hikes. Austria, though prepared for a supply shift, is also affected. Moldova, already in a state of emergency, has voiced concern about the impending gas shortage, despite claims of diversified supply sources.

Although Russia still exports gas via the TurkStream pipeline to countries including Hungary and Serbia, its capacity is limited. The EU has sought to mitigate the impact by increasing LNG imports from countries like the US and Qatar, but the abrupt shutdown highlights the ongoing vulnerability of some Eastern European nations. While alternative supply routes exist and some countries, like Slovakia, have expressed readiness to utilize them, the added costs and potential for price increases are unavoidable consequences. The move marks a definitive turning point in Europe’s energy dependence on Russia.

Read More