The Ukraine crisis is nothing short of an information warfare. From troop deployment, to details of possible false flag attack, Intelligence is being shared openly. Palki Sharma will tell you why this crisis is also about CIA vs KGB.

Gravitas: CIA Vs KGB: How it is playing out in the Ukraine crisis

Has Russia ruled out invading Ukraine? Will a stalemate translate into a long-lasting resolution? Palki Sharma tells you why the current de-escalation is unlikely to bring peace in Ukraine.

Gravitas: What next in Ukraine?

Is Russia conducting a proxy war in Ukraine? Tensions in eastern Ukraine have risen dramatically after Russia backed separatists engaged in multiple shelling incidents this morning. A nursery school was hit. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Is Russia conducting a proxy war in Ukraine?

Ukrainian bobsledder Lidiia Hunko has tested positive for a prohibited substance during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Games, the International Testing Agency (ITA) said on Friday.

Hunko, who finished 20th in the women's monobob, is the third athlete to test positive during the Games.

The ITA said she tested positive on Feb. 14 in Yanqing where the competition took place and she had been suspended provisionally.

"The athlete also has the right to request the analysis of the B-sample," the ITA, in charge of doping tests during the Olympics, said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-olympics-was-chilling-to-witness-kamila-valieva-crumble-under-pressure-says-ioc-chief-thomas-bach-454315">Beijing Olympics: Was 'chilling' to witness Kamila Valieva crumble under pressure, says IOC chief Thomas Bach</a>

Her team could not be immediately reached for a comment.

Iranian Alpine skier Hossein Saveh-Shemshaki, who had tested positive earlier in the Games, was forced out of the Games on Friday after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) confirmed his anti-doping rule violation.

"The athlete is excluded from the Olympic Winter Games... and his accreditation is withdrawn," CAS said.

The skier, who was provisionally banned prior to his competitions in Beijing following the test, now faces further sanctions from his sport`s international federation FIS, CAS said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-olympics-kamila-valieva-slips-to-fourth-place-in-figure-skating-medal-ceremony-to-go-ahead-454097">Beijing Olympics: Kamila Valieva slips to fourth place in figure skating, medal ceremony to go ahead</a>

Ukrainian cross-country skier Valentyna Kaminska, who also tested positive, brings the total number of doping cases during the Games that end on Sunday to three.

The highest-profile doping story at the Games has concerned 15-year-old Russian figure skating team gold medallist Kamila Valieva who was allowed to continue competing in the singles event after news emerged of a failed doping test at her national championships last December.

Ukrainian bobsledder Lidiia Hunko has tested positive for a prohibited substance during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Games, the International Testing Agency (ITA) said on Friday.

Ukrainian bobsledder Lidiia Hunko has tested positive for a prohibited substance during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Games, the International Testing Agency (ITA) said on Friday. Hunko, who finished 20th in the women's monobob, is the third athlete to test positive during the Games. The ITA said she tested positive on Feb. 14 in Yanqing where the competition took place and she had been suspended provisionally. "The athlete also has the right to request the analysis of the B-sample," the ITA, in charge of doping tests during the Olympics, said. ALSO READ: Beijing Olympics: Was 'chilling' to witness Kamila Valieva crumble under pressure, says IOC chief Thomas Bach Her team could not be immediately reached for a comment. Iranian Alpine skier Hossein Saveh-Shemshaki, who had tested positive earlier in the Games, was forced out of the Games on Friday after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) confirmed his anti-doping rule violation. "The athlete is excluded from the Olympic Winter Games... and his accreditation is withdrawn," CAS said. The skier, who was provisionally banned prior to his competitions in Beijing following the test, now faces further sanctions from his sport`s international federation FIS, CAS said. ALSO READ: Beijing Olympics: Kamila Valieva slips to fourth place in figure skating, medal ceremony to go ahead Ukrainian cross-country skier Valentyna Kaminska, who also tested positive, brings the total number of doping cases during the Games that end on Sunday to three. The highest-profile doping story at the Games has concerned 15-year-old Russian figure skating team gold medallist Kamila Valieva who was allowed to continue competing in the singles event after news emerged of a failed doping test at her national championships last December.

Beijing Olympics: Ukrainian bobsledder Lidiia Hunko tests positive for banned substance, says ITA

The US secretary of defense Lloyd Austin is in Warsaw to talk about bilateral defense cooperation and security relations with Poland's Ministry of National Defense.

Will continue to defend our eastern flank, says US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin

Tensions have risen in eastern Ukraine as Russian-controlled separatists there shelled a nursery school in Donbass and warned of escalation. Also, the United States has warned that Russia is now preparing to launch an invasion in the coming days.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Shelling by Russia-backed separatists in Donbass hits nursery school

Germany&nbsp;accused&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;on Friday of endangering Europe's&nbsp;security&nbsp;with&nbsp;demands&nbsp;that recall the&nbsp;Cold&nbsp;War, as Western leaders arrived for a Munich&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Conference&nbsp;set to be dominated by the Ukraine crisis.

Fears are growing in the West that&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;is on the verge of invading its neighbour, with the United States warning of a possible attack in the "coming days".

Ahead of the annual, three-day&nbsp;conference's opening ceremony, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said Moscow needed to show "serious steps towards de-escalation".

"With an unprecedented deployment of troops on the border with Ukraine and&nbsp;Cold&nbsp;War&nbsp;demands,&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;is challenging fundamental principles of the European peace order," Baerbock said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-to-begin-rolling-back-coronavirus-curbs-says-chancellor-scholz-453994">Germany to begin rolling back coronavirus curbs, says Chancellor Scholz</a>

Russian troops have all but encircled Ukraine during the Kremlin's stand-off with the West over NATO's expansion into eastern Europe.

Before&nbsp;travelling to Munich, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told the United Nations to expect an offensive in the "coming days", likely preceded by a pretext to justify military action.

Some feared such a moment had arrived on Thursday, when a spike in shellings on the front line damaged an eastern Ukrainian kindergarten and Russian-backed separatists blamed Kyiv for escalating hostilities.

Russia&nbsp;has denied any invasion plans. But the Kremlin has also said it could be forced to respond militarily if Washington does not meet certain&nbsp;security&nbsp;demands.

Moscow has so far declined to attend the Munich gathering, but the United States said Blinken would meet his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov next week -- provided no invasion had occurred&nbsp;before&nbsp;then.

"It is a loss that&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;is not taking advantage of this opportunity," Baerbock said.

She added that the&nbsp;conference&nbsp;offered a chance "to discuss how we can still counter the logic of threats of violence and military escalation with the logic of dialogue".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russias-next-wonder-weapon-kedr-intercontinental-ballistic-missile-454013">Also read |&nbsp;Russia's next wonder weapon: Kedr intercontinental ballistic missile</a>

&nbsp;Evacuation plans

Also travelling to Munich are US Vice President Kamala Harris, UN chief Antonio Guterres, EU Commission head Ursula von der Leyen, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven club of rich nations -- including France, Britain, the US and Japan -- will discuss the Ukraine crisis on the&nbsp;conference&nbsp;sidelines Saturday.

The talks will be hosted by Baerbock, whose country currently holds the G7 presidency.

"Even tiny steps towards peace are better than big steps towards&nbsp;war. But we also need serious steps towards de-escalation from&nbsp;Russia," she said.

"Declarations of willingness to talk must be backed up by real offers to talk. Declarations of troop withdrawals must be backed up by verifiable troop withdrawals."

Moscow has made several announcements of troop withdrawals this week, but the United States, NATO and Ukraine all said they had seen no evidence of a pullback.

Instead, Washington says&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;has moved 7,000 additional troops to near the Ukrainian border.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia, US spar at UNSC meeting on Ukraine crisis

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-us-spar-at-unsc-meeting-on-ukraine-crisis-454183/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Citing "possible aggravation", Ukraine's armed forces announced late Thursday that evacuations were planned for some communities along the conflict-ridden border, particularly from the separatist-held city Donetsk.

Violence has ebbed and flowed along the eastern front line, where Kyiv has been locked in conflict with Moscow-backed rebels for almost eight years.

Following Thursday's artillery fire at the kindergarten, Ukrainian and Western leaders reiterated calls for&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;not to exploit the border tensions to launch its feared offensive.

President Vladimir Putin has made clear that the price for removing any threat would be Ukraine agreeing never to join NATO and for the Western alliance to pull back from a swath of eastern Europe, effectively splitting the continent into&nbsp;Cold&nbsp;War-style spheres of influence.

Ukraine is far from being ready to join NATO but has set this as part of a broader goal to integrate with the democracies of western Europe, making a historic break from&nbsp;Russia's orbit.

Germany accused Russia on Friday of endangering Europe's security with demands that recall the Cold War, as Western leaders arrived for a Munich Security Conference set to be dominated by the Ukraine crisis.

Germany accused Russia on Friday of endangering Europe's security with demands that recall the Cold War, as Western leaders arrived for a Munich Security Conference set to be dominated by the Ukraine crisis. Fears are growing in the West that Russia is on the verge of invading its neighbour, with the United States warning of a possible attack in the "coming days". Ahead of the annual, three-day conference's opening ceremony, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said Moscow needed to show "serious steps towards de-escalation". "With an unprecedented deployment of troops on the border with Ukraine and Cold War demands, Russia is challenging fundamental principles of the European peace order," Baerbock said in a statement. Also read | Germany to begin rolling back coronavirus curbs, says Chancellor Scholz Russian troops have all but encircled Ukraine during the Kremlin's stand-off with the West over NATO's expansion into eastern Europe. Before travelling to Munich, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told the United Nations to expect an offensive in the "coming days", likely preceded by a pretext to justify military action. Some feared such a moment had arrived on Thursday, when a spike in shellings on the front line damaged an eastern Ukrainian kindergarten and Russian-backed separatists blamed Kyiv for escalating hostilities. Russia has denied any invasion plans. But the Kremlin has also said it could be forced to respond militarily if Washington does not meet certain security demands. Moscow has so far declined to attend the Munich gathering, but the United States said Blinken would meet his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov next week -- provided no invasion had occurred before then. "It is a loss that Russia is not taking advantage of this opportunity," Baerbock said. She added that the conference offered a chance "to discuss how we can still counter the logic of threats of violence and military escalation with the logic of dialogue". Also read | Russia's next wonder weapon: Kedr intercontinental ballistic missile Evacuation plans Also travelling to Munich are US Vice President Kamala Harris, UN chief Antonio Guterres, EU Commission head Ursula von der Leyen, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven club of rich nations -- including France, Britain, the US and Japan -- will discuss the Ukraine crisis on the conference sidelines Saturday. The talks will be hosted by Baerbock, whose country currently holds the G7 presidency. "Even tiny steps towards peace are better than big steps towards war. But we also need serious steps towards de-escalation from Russia," she said. "Declarations of willingness to talk must be backed up by real offers to talk. Declarations of troop withdrawals must be backed up by verifiable troop withdrawals." Moscow has made several announcements of troop withdrawals this week, but the United States, NATO and Ukraine all said they had seen no evidence of a pullback. Instead, Washington says Russia has moved 7,000 additional troops to near the Ukrainian border. Watch | Russia, US spar at UNSC meeting on Ukraine crisis Citing "possible aggravation", Ukraine's armed forces announced late Thursday that evacuations were planned for some communities along the conflict-ridden border, particularly from the separatist-held city Donetsk. Violence has ebbed and flowed along the eastern front line, where Kyiv has been locked in conflict with Moscow-backed rebels for almost eight years. Following Thursday's artillery fire at the kindergarten, Ukrainian and Western leaders reiterated calls for Russia not to exploit the border tensions to launch its feared offensive. President Vladimir Putin has made clear that the price for removing any threat would be Ukraine agreeing never to join NATO and for the Western alliance to pull back from a swath of eastern Europe, effectively splitting the continent into Cold War-style spheres of influence. Ukraine is far from being ready to join NATO but has set this as part of a broader goal to integrate with the democracies of western Europe, making a historic break from Russia's orbit.

Germany accuses Russia of 'Cold War demands' before security conference

Amid a discussion in the United Nations Security Council, India called for a 'Quiet & Constructive Diplomacy' to resolve issues and tensions between Ukraine, Russia and the West.

India calls for 'Quiet & Constructive Diplomacy' on Ukraine, Russia conflict

US State department's Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu in a briefing, where WION was present said, "On the issue of Russia and Ukraine, I can say that there was an open and honest discussion between Secretary Blinken and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar".&nbsp;

He explained that the discussion is "reflective of the close relationship we have with one another. This is a complex issue for the United States. It’s a complex issue for India as well. We share values, and we talk about every issue, including the tough ones."

This is the second such public acknowledgement from Washington that the matter has been discussed with New Delhi.&nbsp;

Earlier in January, Deputy Secretary of state Wendy Sherman discussed the matter with India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla. The Ministry of external affairs also confirmed the issue being discussed.&nbsp;

Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi called "honest conversation" a "good description" of the issue being discussed. He said, "it was an exchange of views on how we see it".&nbsp;

India has made two statements at the United Nations Security Council on the matter calling for dialogue and de-escalation.

Meanwhile, the European Union has been sharing its perspective with India.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-singapores-pm-cites-jawaharlal-nehrus-legacy-during-a-parliamentary-debate-on-democracy-454039">Also read |&nbsp;India pushes back on Singapore PM's 'criminal, rapists' remarks about Indian MPs</a>

Calling India "friend and partner" EU sources said "we have been presenting to the Indian side, our views" on Russia/Ukraine crisis and "rules-based system will be in interest to all".

The development is important as EAM Jaishankar will be in Europe from February 18 to 23, and will visit Germany and France.&nbsp;

In Germany, EAM will take part in Munich Security Conference and participate in a panel discussion on the Indo-Pacific. Later, he will visit Paris to take part in the EU ministerial forum for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific on February 22. He will hold a bilateral with French foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian.&nbsp;

The visit to Europe will be closely watched given it happens in the shadow of the Ukraine crisis. The Indian foreign minister is expected to hold a whole host of bilateral meetings, including with a number of European FMs.&nbsp;He will also be part of the much-awaited Australia, India, Indonesia foreign ministers trilateral.&nbsp;

No India, Australia, France trilateral is expected given ties still have not normalised between Canberra and Paris since the Aukus pact.

US State department's Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu in a briefing, where WION was present said, "On the issue of Russia and Ukraine, I can say that there was an open and honest discussion between Secretary Blinken and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar".

US State department's Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu in a briefing, where WION was present said, "On the issue of Russia and Ukraine, I can say that there was an open and honest discussion between Secretary Blinken and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar". He explained that the discussion is "reflective of the close relationship we have with one another. This is a complex issue for the United States. It’s a complex issue for India as well. We share values, and we talk about every issue, including the tough ones." This is the second such public acknowledgement from Washington that the matter has been discussed with New Delhi. Earlier in January, Deputy Secretary of state Wendy Sherman discussed the matter with India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla. The Ministry of external affairs also confirmed the issue being discussed. Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi called "honest conversation" a "good description" of the issue being discussed. He said, "it was an exchange of views on how we see it". India has made two statements at the United Nations Security Council on the matter calling for dialogue and de-escalation. Meanwhile, the European Union has been sharing its perspective with India. Also read | India pushes back on Singapore PM's 'criminal, rapists' remarks about Indian MPs Calling India "friend and partner" EU sources said "we have been presenting to the Indian side, our views" on Russia/Ukraine crisis and "rules-based system will be in interest to all". The development is important as EAM Jaishankar will be in Europe from February 18 to 23, and will visit Germany and France. In Germany, EAM will take part in Munich Security Conference and participate in a panel discussion on the Indo-Pacific. Later, he will visit Paris to take part in the EU ministerial forum for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific on February 22. He will hold a bilateral with French foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian. The visit to Europe will be closely watched given it happens in the shadow of the Ukraine crisis. The Indian foreign minister is expected to hold a whole host of bilateral meetings, including with a number of European FMs. He will also be part of the much-awaited Australia, India, Indonesia foreign ministers trilateral. No India, Australia, France trilateral is expected given ties still have not normalised between Canberra and Paris since the Aukus pact.

US, EU keep India clued up on Ukraine crisis

After Russia threatened military actions if its security demands were not met, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine's NATO bid process is stalled.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: Our NATO bid process is stalled

Moscow still has the ability to launch a major attack, says the US as Russia pulls back troops announcing that its military drills in Crimea are over. Earlier, the West had warned of a Russian invasion into Ukraine on February 16. WION brings you more insights.

US and NATO unimpressed with Russia's troop pullback claim

At Kyiv's Olympic stadium, dozens of people unfolded a 200 meter-long Ukrainian flag, waving it to the beat of patriotic music to show unity against fears of a Russian invasion on Wednesday.

National Day of Unity: Ukrainians raise flags to defy Russia invasion fears

Amid troop mobilisation at the border and a flurry of diplomacy, how is Ukraine preparing for a potential showdown with Russia? Watch Ukrainian Ambassador to India, Igor Polikha, in conversation with WION's Palki Sharma on Straight Talk.

Straight Talk with Igor Polikha, Ukrainian Ambassador to India

Russia has claimed that it is withdrawing some troops from the Ukrainian border and is open to renewed talks to end a standoff with the West.

Russia claims partial withdrawal from Ukrainian border

Russia’s military announced the withdrawal of troops taking part in drills in annexed Crimea as Moscow signaled de-escalation in the Ukraine crisis.

Russia announces end of military drills in Crimea

A series of cyberattacks knocked the websites of the Ukrainian army, defense ministry and major banks offline, as tensions persisted over the threat of a possible Russian invasion.

Cyberattacks knock out websites of Ukrainian army, defense ministry, major banks

World powers remain engaged in one of the biggest crisis to have hit the east and the west that is Russia and the US-led alliance in several decades. The American President Joe Biden spoke with German chancellor Olaf Scholz, both the leaders have urged Russia to take some real steps to try and defuse tensions.

Biden, Scholz urge Russia to defuse tensions along the Ukrainian border

Ukraine's geostrategic location is one of the crucial reasons why the West is trying to avert war. Ukraine happens to be the bridge between Russia and the NATO nations, the bordering nations happens to be Poland and hence to understand the crisis better, our principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal spoke with Poland's deputy minister of foreign affairs Marcin Przydacz.

'Russia is trying to stop integration of Ukraine, EU,' says Polish DY minister Marcin Przydacz

US intelligence continues to work on what may be its most crucial task of the moment, trying to crack a probable date of Russia's potential attack on Ukraine. It is perhaps the biggest challenge for the CIA currently.

CIA fails to crack a Ukraine attack date

Despite Moscow's assertion that it is withdrawing soldiers from the border, US President Joe Biden stated that the possibility of a Russian invasion of Ukraine is "extremely high" and might occur in "next several days".

Russia could attack on Ukraine in 'next several days', says US President Joe Biden

CIA fails to crack a Ukraine attack date; US drums up war rhetoric on Ukraine

Satellite images show Russia has moved some of its military equipment that was deployed near Ukraine. Earlier, Russia had announced a partial pullback of its forces near Ukraine that have fuelled fears of a looming invasion.

Satellite images show Russia moving military equipment near Ukraine's border

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin held a press conference in Brussels, as he discussed ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine with NATO partners.

Ukraine's sovereignty is our priority, says US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin

Jens Stoltenberg held a press conference in Brussels following a two-day meeting between NATO Defence Ministers. The meeting took place amid tensions on the border between Ukraine and Russia.

Russia's demands go against Ukraine's sovereignty, says NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg

US intelligence reports wrongly predicted February 16 as the date of Russia's invasion. On the same day, Moscow announced that several soldiers and tanks are returning after military drills. Why did the west drum up fears of war? Has Putin abandoned his invasion plan? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: US intel fails, Russia says troops returning

Many had claimed that Russia will invade Ukraine today. It didn't happen. Is this a sign of de-escalation? Should Indian students return? Palki Sharma put these questions to Ukraine's Ambassador to India Dr Igor Polikha in an exclusive conversation.

Gravitas: Exclusive: Should Indian students leave Ukraine?

Ukrainian cross-country skier Valentyna Kaminska has tested positive for a steroid and two stimulants, becoming the second athlete at the Beijing Winter Olympics to fail drug tests.

Beijing Winter Olympics: Ukrainian skier tests positive for banned drugs

Foreigners in Ukraine are now contemplating leaving Kyiv altogether in case of a Russian invasion. Also, many countries are urging their citizens there to leave and are cutting back their diplomatic staff.

Fears of a Russian attack prompts people to leave Kyiv

Ukraine on Wednesday initiated a discussion at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) about a recent statement made by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Donbass region. The 15-member council is all set to meet today to discuss the Ukraine crisis.

Ukraine calls for UNSC to discuss Donbass

<article>
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, the Continent’s heavy dependence on Russia is limiting its diplomatic options and threatening to throw its energy supplies into turmoil.

If the flow of gas is interrupted, either as collateral damage from warfare or as a negotiating tactic by President Vladimir Putin of Russia, experts worry that already high prices in a constantly shifting global market could skyrocket. Businesses may be forced to temporarily close, and if cutoffs persist, households already facing higher utility bills this winter could feel even more pain.

Analysts and industry executives are skeptical that Putin would cut off gas, in part because of how important gas exports are to his country’s economy. But the tensions come at a pivotal time for many European nations that have turned to natural gas to help them bridge their transitions from fossil fuels to wind, solar and other cleaner sources.

Diplomatic proposals to counter Russia’s buildup center on sanctions that could limit energy trade. That could throw billions in investments and oil and gas contracts into jeopardy, especially for countries, including Germany and Italy, that rely on Russian gas more than others.

Germany, which is at the center of the diplomatic standoff, is Moscow’s most important customer. The bulk of the gas to Germany flows directly from Russia through a large pipeline in the Baltic Sea known as Nord Stream. A second pipeline, Nord Stream 2, was recently completed at a cost of $11 billion.

Fuel has yet to flow through Nord Stream 2. U.S. lawmakers in recent months have called for blocking its opening, as critics warn that the new pipeline could allow Moscow to wield greater influence over the Continent and starve Ukraine of transit fees through its existing pipeline network that are crucial to Kyiv’s economy.

President Joe Biden has said Nord Stream 2 will not go forward if Russia invades Ukraine. But in an indication of how the politics and business of energy are intertwined, the pipeline’s operating company is chaired by a former German chancellor, Gerhard Schröder.

Several large pipelines bring Russian gas into Europe, where it flows through a vast interconnected network. The amount of gas crossing Ukraine has declined sharply over the past decade, though it remains an important route. Other conduits are the Yamal pipeline through Poland and TurkStream, which feeds Turkey but also brings gas into Southern Europe.

In 2021, 38% of the natural gas used by the European Union came from Russia, according to Bruegel, a research organization. Some countries, like Poland and Lithuania, have been gradually reducing their reliance on Russian gas. For others, the dependency has been steadily growing.

If gas does stop flowing, importing countries would need to find other sources. Some of the difference would most likely be made up by bringing in more liquefied natural gas from sources around the globe.

Liquefied natural gas is made by chilling gas to around minus 260 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 162 degrees Celsius) so that it can be converted into liquid form and loaded more easily onto ships. The great advantage is that it can be transported stably from great distances, including from Australia and the United States — offering viable alternatives for local or regional sources.

In recent months, Europe has been witnessing a kind of dress rehearsal for a cutback in Russian gas as Moscow curtails shipments to Europe in what some analysts and politicians say is an effort to keep prices high. According to the International Energy Agency, Russia cut its gas exports by pipeline to Europe by 23% in the last quarter of 2021 compared with the same period a year earlier. At the same time, imports of liquefied gas have been on the rise.

In reality, gas markets are far from static, with volumes and direction of flows largely dictated by price. And while the crisis has not yet led to any military action, the threat of conflict has been weighing on markets. Prices in Europe were already high to end the year as limited storage levels raised concerns that there would be enough fuel to last the winter.

While they have since eased from the records hit in December, they are still roughly four times what they were a year ago.
</article>

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, the Continent’s heavy dependence on Russia is limiting its diplomatic options and threatening to throw its energy supplies into turmoil.

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, the Continent’s heavy dependence on Russia is limiting its diplomatic options and threatening to throw its energy supplies into turmoil. If the flow of gas is interrupted, either as collateral damage from warfare or as a negotiating tactic by President Vladimir Putin of Russia, experts worry that already high prices in a constantly shifting global market could skyrocket. Businesses may be forced to temporarily close, and if cutoffs persist, households already facing higher utility bills this winter could feel even more pain. Analysts and industry executives are skeptical that Putin would cut off gas, in part because of how important gas exports are to his country’s economy. But the tensions come at a pivotal time for many European nations that have turned to natural gas to help them bridge their transitions from fossil fuels to wind, solar and other cleaner sources. Diplomatic proposals to counter Russia’s buildup center on sanctions that could limit energy trade. That could throw billions in investments and oil and gas contracts into jeopardy, especially for countries, including Germany and Italy, that rely on Russian gas more than others. Germany, which is at the center of the diplomatic standoff, is Moscow’s most important customer. The bulk of the gas to Germany flows directly from Russia through a large pipeline in the Baltic Sea known as Nord Stream. A second pipeline, Nord Stream 2, was recently completed at a cost of $11 billion. Fuel has yet to flow through Nord Stream 2. U.S. lawmakers in recent months have called for blocking its opening, as critics warn that the new pipeline could allow Moscow to wield greater influence over the Continent and starve Ukraine of transit fees through its existing pipeline network that are crucial to Kyiv’s economy. President Joe Biden has said Nord Stream 2 will not go forward if Russia invades Ukraine. But in an indication of how the politics and business of energy are intertwined, the pipeline’s operating company is chaired by a former German chancellor, Gerhard Schröder. Several large pipelines bring Russian gas into Europe, where it flows through a vast interconnected network. The amount of gas crossing Ukraine has declined sharply over the past decade, though it remains an important route. Other conduits are the Yamal pipeline through Poland and TurkStream, which feeds Turkey but also brings gas into Southern Europe. In 2021, 38% of the natural gas used by the European Union came from Russia, according to Bruegel, a research organization. Some countries, like Poland and Lithuania, have been gradually reducing their reliance on Russian gas. For others, the dependency has been steadily growing. If gas does stop flowing, importing countries would need to find other sources. Some of the difference would most likely be made up by bringing in more liquefied natural gas from sources around the globe. Liquefied natural gas is made by chilling gas to around minus 260 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 162 degrees Celsius) so that it can be converted into liquid form and loaded more easily onto ships. The great advantage is that it can be transported stably from great distances, including from Australia and the United States — offering viable alternatives for local or regional sources. In recent months, Europe has been witnessing a kind of dress rehearsal for a cutback in Russian gas as Moscow curtails shipments to Europe in what some analysts and politicians say is an effort to keep prices high. According to the International Energy Agency, Russia cut its gas exports by pipeline to Europe by 23% in the last quarter of 2021 compared with the same period a year earlier. At the same time, imports of liquefied gas have been on the rise. In reality, gas markets are far from static, with volumes and direction of flows largely dictated by price. And while the crisis has not yet led to any military action, the threat of conflict has been weighing on markets. Prices in Europe were already high to end the year as limited storage levels raised concerns that there would be enough fuel to last the winter. While they have since eased from the records hit in December, they are still roughly four times what they were a year ago.

How a Ukraine conflict could reshape Europe’s reliance on Russia

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said that the alliance is looking to step up efforts to strengthen its eastern flank, warning that the threat from Russia has become the "new normal in Europe."

NATO to strengthen its eastern flank over alleged Russian threat

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