**European Energy Firms Sue Gazprom for €18 Billion**
European energy companies have filed lawsuits against Russian gas giant Gazprom, totaling 18 billion euros ($19.6 billion), over gas supply cuts. The claims come after Gazprom reduced deliveries to Europe in 2022 when Russia’s president demanded payments be made in rubles.
**Gazprom’s Gas Supply Cuts**
In 2022, Gazprom drastically cut gas supplies to Europe after President Vladimir Putin ordered payments to be made in rubles. When European customers refused, Gazprom significantly reduced supplies, including through the Nord Stream pipeline.
**Largest Lawsuit Filed by Uniper**
The largest lawsuit was filed by German energy company Uniper, which imported 20 billion cubic meters of Russian gas annually and is seeking 14.3 billion euros ($15.5 billion) in damages over losses incurred after Russian supplies were halted.
**Gazprom’s Counterclaims**
Gazprom has responded with counterclaims in Russian courts, seeking to block legal proceedings outside Russia. The company’s net revenues from gas exports include $10 billion from sales to Europe and Turkey, $7 billion from China, and $2 billion from Central Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
**Ongoing Conflict**
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, with a Ukrainian delegation meeting in Jeddah to discuss a potential peace agreement. Russian forces have made a breakthrough south of a Ukrainian-held town, potentially threatening to cut off some Ukrainian positions.
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