DISINFO: Gas: Poland closed down the Yamal-Europe pipeline hurting Germany
SUMMARY
Russia can supply gas to Europe by the Yamal-Europe pipeline going through Poland. However, Warsaw closed down this pipeline. The Polish authorities receive money from European funds, and the main donor of these funds is Germany – to some extent, this country is feeding Poland. In this situation, it is difficult to understand why Warsaw closed down the Yamal-Europe pipeline [necessary for Germany].
RESPONSE
Pro-Kremlin disinformation campaigns concerning Russian gas policy in Europe promote the misleading narrative that Russia has not engaged in any attempts to use energy supplies as a form of blackmail against European countries.
The assertion that Poland was responsible for shutting down the Yamal-Europe gas pipeline is unfounded. The Kremlin holds sole responsibility for halting Russian gas exports through this route.
First of all, throughout 2021, Gazprom deliberately reduced gas supply via the Yamal-Europe pipeline by more than 50%. This step was perceived by European experts as Russia’s policy of weaponising gas supplies in order to exert pressure on the EU.
Graphs here show how Russia’s gas exports to Europe have changed in the period 2019-2021.
In May 2022, Gazprom announced its inability to continue utilizing the Yamal-Europe pipeline, citing 'sanctions' imposed on EuRoPol GAZ, the Polish company operating the pipeline.
See other examples of disinformation related to Europe’s energy supply here, and read our pro-Kremlin energy related disinformation narratives covering article here.