During Russia's war against Ukraine, Vladimir Putin sought to use energy as a weapon.
Putin is continuing to use energy as a weapon
Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure have caused massive power shortages across the country. In contrast, Russian President Vladimir Putin has used energy policy to undermine international energy security around the world, according to intelligence.
By reducing gas flows to Europe, through pipeline export and alterning payment terms, Putin has sought to undermine European unity against Russia's illegal war, the report said.
According to British intelligence, Russia's use of energy as a weapon is likely to remain a coercive tool.
It is highly likely that Russia will continue to use energy as a weapon for global economic gain and political influence, signifying the link between energy, security, political and military objectives, — the UK MOD notes.
How Russia uses energy as a weapon
British intelligence notes that in February 2014, Russia occupied Crimea and in February seized Ukraine's oil and gas platforms in the Black Sea.
In 2021, Gazprom cut gas supplies to Europe to reduce reserves. After invading Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Russia immediately seized the Chornobyl NPP and, on March 4, the Zaporizhzhia NPP.
In March 2022, Moscow demanded payment for gas in rubles. Since May 2022, Russia has reduced gas supplies through the Yamal-Europe pipeline.
In August 2022, Russia reduced supplies via Nord Stream 1. In May 2023, a Russian warship approached the Turkish Stream and Blue Stream gas pipelines in the Black Sea.
In November 2022, Moscow began attacking Ukrainian infrastructure and continued the strikes in January 2024.
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