Germany says Russia is using energy as a weapon after Moscow cut gas supply to a seized Gazprom unit. Moscow responded by stating that its actions are a natural and inevitable response to Germany seizing Gazprom subsidiaries. Moscow has also levied sanctions against the owner of the Polish part of the Yamal pipeline that delivers gas to Europe. Germany, which has long remained the largest buyer of Russian natural gas, has belatedly and bluntly stated as fact what’s long been among its greatest ‘worst case scenario’ fears, that Moscow is using its energy exports as a “weapon” . However, Moscow is arguing that its latest actions to reduce supplies – estimated by Berlin officials at this point to have been at about a 3% reduction of normal deliveries – is a natural and inevitable response to Germany seizing Gazprom subsidiaries in the country to “ensure supply” against the backdrop […]