The construction and launch of Nord Stream 2 are nothing but part of Putin's plan to wage war against Ukraine. He wanted to give up transit through o… - Andriy Kobolyev

With blows like that, the Russian Federation is trying to make sure that Ukraine as a state will fail Kobolyev said that Nord Stream 2 would kill the Ukrainian transit route.

Even if Russia gives guarantees, I believe the likelihood of Russia helping us is zero.

Moreover, the EU's Green Deal, which commits the bloc to become carbon-neutral by 2050, means the balance of bargaining power has shifted decisively from fossil fuel producers to consumers. European governments must use that advantage to sanction Russian energy exports in a way that will not damage their economies. The best approach is the tried and tested Iranian sanction model: natural gas can flow from Gazprom to Europe. However, all proceeds are kept in special escrow accounts in European banks until Russia meets certain conditions.