Ukraine has halted Russian natural gas supplies to Europe via its pipeline network after a prewar transit deal expired, citing national security concerns.

This move disrupts energy supplies to EU countries, notably Austria, Slovakia, and Moldova, as they brace for winter shortages and potential power cuts.

Moldova, heavily reliant on Russian gas through Ukraine, faces an energy crisis, with Transnistria already experiencing heating and hot water shutdowns, the Associated Press has reported.

While Europe has reduced reliance on Russian gas since 2022 by increasing imports from the U.S. and Norway, the halt adds pressure on vulnerable regions and highlights ongoing energy weaponization by Moscow.

Written by B.C. Begley