Judith Sloan from The Australian newspaper has warned Russia holds the power to “put its foot on the throat” of the German economy. She warned that in the event tensions over Ukraine escalate, the Kremlin could act to reduce the flow and increase the prices for natural gas going to Europe and Germany. Moscow has been fuelling fears of a new conflict in Europe by massing troops on the border with Ukraine over concerns the nation could seek to join NATO.
Ms Sloan said: “Basically at the moment, the German grid is being powered by 40 percent Russian gas.
“Now you think that one through Germany, Russia, not particular allies, but you know, Russia has the potential to basically put its foot on the throat of the German economy by reducing the flow, increasing the prices.
“Now in the meantime, a pipeline has been built directly from Russia to Germany.
“The old in fact Soviet Europe, pipelines go through Ukraine, and Russia thinks it would be better if it didn’t.”
She added: “They pay a toll to Ukraine Government that there is suggestion that there might be some leakage shall I put it that…
