Gas and Russia's position
(Baonghean.vn) - On the afternoon of April 30, 2018, Russian oil and gas corporation Gazprom announced that it had completed the construction of the first gas pipeline from Russia - "Turkish Stream".
In recent times, the works have been carried out very actively, with the construction speed always at a high level. The "Turkish Stream" project is built through the Black Sea, including 2 branches with 15.75 billion m3 each, the total length of the gas pipeline is 1,161 km.
 |
| A construction scene at the "Turkish Stream" construction site. |
The first branch supplies gas to Türkiye, the second branch supplies gas to the countries of Southern and South-Eastern Europe. The construction of these lines is scheduled to be completed in December 2019. Gazprom is considering options for the Turkish Stream to pass through Bulgaria and Serbia or through Greece and Italy. Gazprom asserts that the Turkish Stream will undoubtedly play a very important role in ensuring energy security for this country and Europe.
Remember, after the relationship between Ukraine (through which the Russian gas pipeline to Europe passes) and Russia deteriorated, Ukrainian President Poroshenko always pressured Russia in the operation of the pipeline. This not only negatively affected the Russian economy but also threatened the energy security of many European countries, especially in winter.
Europe needs gas from Russia - that is obvious. But besides that, politically, some European countries often join the US and UK to put pressure on President Putin's government. And they have used the economic embargo card against Russia to weaken the economy and subdue this country.
Of course, Russia is not foolish enough not to take countermeasures against the embargo. And that is gas - the energy that Europe desperately needs but depends on Russia. Obviously, gas not only brings foreign currency to Russia but also serves as a weapon for Russia to bargain politically with Europe. By opening the Turkish Stream gas pipeline, Russia achieves at least four goals: not to be passively affected by the hostile policy of the Ukrainian President, to continue to earn money from gas, to have weapons to fight back against economic embargoes and to maintain its political position.
