Russia may cut gas supplies to Finland over its decision to join NATO: Report

Hours after Moscow threatened retaliation against Finland for its decision to apply for NATO membership, Finnish media reported that Kremlin has threatened to cut off country's access to Russian gas by May 13. Finland's Iltalehti media agency, citing unnamed sources, reported Russia's warning me to politicians.

Finland is expected to be cut off from Russian gas after May 23, when its next contract payment with Gazprom is due and country refuses to pay in rubles, according to local media outlet. It is worth mentioning that Russia cut off gas supplies to Poland and Bulgaria in late April after y refused to pay according to Kremlin's currency programme.

However, Finnish Defense Minister Antti Kaikkonen told Iltalehti on May 12 that he couldn't confirm warning. Meanwhile, working groups h been notified of "various scenarios of Russia’s retaliation," according to parliamentary group he Ville Tavio, who noted that preparations h alrey been me.

Finland imports 60 to 70% of its natural gas from Russia

Notably, Finland imports 60 to 70% of its natural gas from Russia, despite fact that country's primary energy sources are oil, biomass, and nuclear power, with natural gas accounting for only 5% of total consumption. Renewable energy exceeded fossil fuels and peat in overall energy consumption in 2020, according to Finnish government, reducing country's reliance on Russian energy sources.

“Finland must apply for NATO membership without delay,” President Sauli Niinisto stated according to local media agency.

Prime Minister Sanna Marin, said, “We hope that national steps still needed to make this decision will be taken rapidly within next few days.”

Russia threatens Finland of "military-technical" retaliation if it joins NATO

Due to Russian aggression in Ukraine, Finland announced ir intention to apply for expedited NATO membership on May 12. According to Associated Press, Sweden is also expected to make its announcement in coming days. Furr, Russia has also threatened Finland with "military-technical" retaliation if it joins NATO.

Russian Foreign Ministry said, "Russia will be forced to take retaliatory steps, both of a military-technical and or nature, in order to stop threats to its national security that arise in this regard," 

(With agency inputs, Image: AP/Pixabay)