New Scientist: As sanctions deepen, just how crucial is Russian gas?

Russia has long held a bargaining chip when it comes to negotiating with the European Union: our dependence on its gas.

But with opposition hardening to President Vladimir Putin's support for the Russian separatists suspected of bringing down Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in Ukraine, world leaders might be edging closer to action that could have significant short and longer term effects on the energy landscape of the UK and the rest of mainland Europe.

With more nations arguing to go beyond the European Union's current "tier 2" sanctions on Moscow, which include travel bans and asset freezes on some individuals close to Putin, there are growing fears that he could retaliate by shutting off gas supplies.

What's more, the tough "tier 3" sanctions being proposed by the likes of the UK could, if they were ever approved by the EU, have a major impact on energy supply from the region, by blocking access to European markets for entire sectors – such as gas and oil. Tier 3 sanctions could also, for example, involve a ban on doing business with the entire Russian defence industry, rather than just selected bits of it.
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