- President Vladimir Putin’s threat to completely cut off energy supplies to the West in a deepening confrontation over Ukraine could prove to be a double-edged sword for Russia.
- Just before the European Union announced a price cap on Russian gas on Wednesday (7 September), Putin threatened to sever supplies if such limits were imposed, warning the West it would freeze like the wolf’s tail in a famous Russian fairy tale.
- If Europe refused Russian gas, it would lead to a potential reduction in gas exports of more than 100 billion cubic metres a year by 2027, almost half of total exports in 2021.
Analysis: Putin’s energy gamble may prove a double-edged sword for Russia
