British intelligence explains how Russia uses energy in its war against Ukraine

The UK Ministry of Defense shared the information in its report. 

Experts analyzed Russia's energy-related actions from the annexation of Crimea and the seizure of Boyko towers in the Black Sea in February 2014 to Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure in January 2024.

Throughout the war against Ukraine, Russia has tried to use energy as a weapon.

British intelligence emphasizes that Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure have caused widespread electricity shortages in the country, while at the global level, Russian leader Vladimir Putin has used energy policy to undermine international energy security.

"By cutting gas flows to Europe, restricting pipeline exports and changing payment terms, Putin has sought to undermine the unity of the whole of Europe against Russia's illegal war," the British Ministry of Defense said in a report.
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 British Ministry of Defense emphasizes.

In particular, the ministry noted that in 2014, Russia occupied Crimea, and in 2015, it seized Ukraine's oil and gas platforms in the Black Sea.

According to the chart, in 2021, Gazprom cut gas supplies to Europe to reduce its reserves. At the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Russia immediately seized the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, and on March 4, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

In the same month of 2022, the Kremlin demanded payment for gas in rubles. In May, Russia cut gas supplies through the Yamal-Europe pipeline.

Back in August 2022, Russia reduced supplies through Nord Stream 1, and in May, 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 attacks in January 2024.

• On February 22, the Russian army struck a thermal power plant in Kurakhove, Donetsk region, damaging equipment and injuring 9 employees.