Russia-Ukraine conflict could reshape Europe's natural gas reliance

Europe relies on Russia’s natural gas to help heat millions of homes, generate electricity and power factories. With Russian troops massed along Ukraine’s border, Europe’s heavy dependence on Russia is limiting its diplomatic options and may throw its energy supplies into turmoil.

Analysts and industry executives are sceptical that Putin would cut off gas, in part because of how important gas exports are to his country’s economy.

In 2021, 38 per cent of the natural gas used by the EU came from Russia, according to Bruegel, a research organisation. Some countries, like Poland and Lithuania, have been gradually reducing their reliance on