Russia Blames Western Sanctions For Pipeline Closure While Ukraine Accuses Kremlin Of Energy Blackmail
The Kremlin blamed the West on Monday for shutting down Nord Stream 1, arguing that economic sanctions prevented Gazprom from carrying out maintenance on the critical pipeline that carries natural gas from Russia to Germany. Gazprom shut down the pipeline last week and delayed its planned reopening due to oil leaks in turbines. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said repairs to those turbines have not been made “because of sanctions.” “There are no other reasons that would cause pumping problems,” Peskov said....