Russia-Ukraine conflict: EU energy policy chief calls Russia's gas cuts 'politically-motivated'

The European Union hit back against Russia’s move to cut gas deliveries to Europe amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine. The bloc’s energy policy chief called the move politically motivated.

The European Union’s energy policy head Kadri Simson said Tuesday that Russian gas firm Gazprom’s announcement that it will cut down deliveries to Europe was politically motivated. Simson’s comments came as the gas firm claimed it was slashing deliveries to Europe due to halting the operation of a turbine.

“We know that there is no technical reason to do so. This is a politically motivated step and we have to be ready for that. And exactly for that reason, the pre-emptive reduction of our gas demand is a wise strategy,” said Simson, who was attending a meeting of EU energy ministers in Brussels.

Simson also said she expected the ministers to reach a deal on emergency EU rules that would require countries to curb their gas demand.

Meanwhile, a petition was launched on Ukraine’s official petitions site Tuesday, calling to give outgoing UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson Ukrainian citizenship and make him the country’s prime minister.

Johnson resigned this month over growing calls to step down by members of his Conservative Party as well as scandals that plagued his administration. The petition has so far received 2,500 signatures.

Despite losing popularity domestically, Johnson is seen as a favorite in Kyiv for his support of Ukraine. There are paintings, murals, as well as cakes in Kyiv, that have Johnson’s likeness. Some Ukrainians have also called the outgoing British prime minister “Johnsoniuk.”

The petition, addressed to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, lists “worldwide support for Boris Johnson, a clear position against the military invasion of Ukraine, wisdom in the political, financial, and legal spheres” as Johnson’s strengths.

However, the petition also acknowledged one negative aspect of appointing Johnson to be a Ukrainian official, which is non-compliance with the country’s constitution.

Coincidentally, Johnson also presented Zelenskyy with the Sir Winston Churchill Leadership Award for the Ukrainian leader’s “incredible courage, defiance, and dignity” in the midst of Russia’s invasion. While Zelenskyy has not mentioned the new petition, he will be required to respond if the petition reaches 25,000 signatures.