Russia’s plan to halt gas deliveries to European consumers is “an instrument of blackmail,” according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The action is “unjustified and unacceptable,” she says, and demonstrates Russia’s dependability as a gas provider.

She claims that EU member states have contingency plans in place for this situation, and that the European Commission is working closely with them to secure alternate supply and the best possible storage levels across the union.

Von der Leyen says that a meeting of the gas coordination committee is currently taking place to lay out the EU’s coordinated reaction.

“We will also continue working with international partners to secure alternative flows – and I will continue working with European and world leaders to ensure the security of energy supply in Europe,” she says.

“Europeans can count on our full support.”

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