Gas Supply: Zelenskiy Denounces Russia For Using Gas As A Weapon

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Wednesday has denounced Russia’s decision to halt gas supplies to Bulgaria and Poland as “blackmail” of Europe.

“Russia considers not only gas, but any trade as a weapon. It is just waiting for the moment when one or another trade area can be used. To blackmail Europeans politically,” he said in a late-night video address.

Russia halted gas supplies to Bulgaria and Poland on Wednesday for rejecting its demand for payment in roubles.

Poland and Bulgaria are both former Soviet-era satellites of Moscow that have since joined the EU and NATO with Poland been one of the Kremlin’s most vocal opponents over the war.

Referring to the European Commission proposal of a one-year suspension of import duties on all Ukrainian goods, Zelenskiy said the decision to suspend the duties will help Ukraine’s economy and expressed his gratitude.