Russia Considers Halting Gas Supplies to Europe; Zelenskyy Seeks Support from Gulf States

Tension in energy relations between Russia and the European Union has reached a critical point. Vladimir Putin is openly considering imposing a complete embargo on supplies of blue fuel to European countries. Such a scenario would be a powerful blow to the economies of Southern Europe, which still rely significantly on Russian raw materials. This blackmail coincides with the Ukrainian president's visit to the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Volodymyr Zelenskyy aims to formalize defense cooperation with the Gulf states, arguing that Ukraine's experience in countering Shahed-type drones is crucial for protecting local oil installations from attacks by pro-Iranian militias. Russia's energy doctrine has for years used raw materials as a tool of political pressure, which was particularly evident during the gas crises with Ukraine in 2006 and 2009, which permanently changed the perception of energy security in Central Europe. The operational situation in the Black Sea is dynamically changing in Kyiv's favor. Independent analysts have confirmed successful attacks on the Russian fleet stationed in occupied ports. Among the hit vessels is the modern frigate "Admiral Essen", which significantly limits Russia's capabilities to conduct missile strikes from the sea. Meanwhile, inland, the Russians are systematically destroying critical infrastructure, including railway junctions, forcing Ukraine to set records in importing electricity from neighboring countries. On the diplomatic level, irritation is growing over Hungary's stance. German politicians, including Johann Wadephul, are calling for an end to Budapest's blockade of EU funds for Ukraine, while it simultaneously negotiates preferential raw material prices with Moscow. „Iran supplies Russia with drones that destroy our cities. The same threat hangs over our partners in the Gulf region. Together we can build an effective shield against this evil.” — Volodymyr Zelenskyy Russia's internal problems are beginning to surface with reports of massive job cuts in the Moscow administration. This is a signal that sanctions and the costs of waging war are burdening the central budget. Meanwhile, on the Polish political scene and in relations with the USA, concerns are emerging that escalation of the conflict in the Middle East will divert Washington's attention and resources from NATO's eastern flank. Ukrainian diplomats are trying to convince Donald Trump's circle that the fight against the Russia-Iran axis is indivisible and crucial for global stability.

Perspektywy mediów: Emphasizes the necessity of European solidarity and the risks associated with dependence on Russian raw materials, supporting the arming of Ukraine. Highlights the threat to the national economies of EU member states and warns against excessive US involvement in conflicts beyond the Middle East.