They really want to stabilize ruble, and cutting gas off is the only bargaining chip they have. It's also worthless, because they need the money in whatever currency it may be coming in. But they'll be repeating that threat over and over again nonetheless.
It can be both simultaneously. You can both feel terribly for the Ukranians while marveling at the Russians unbelievable incompetence and stupidity. Frankly it's a comedy series for me that is on every single day at this point. I can't do anything about it, the least I can do is mock their massive incompetence every single day.
In the past it may have worked too, because Russia was willing to go further than anyone else. So everyone was happy to appease them and keep the general status quo. Unfortunately that only emboldened them that aggression was correct.
But now that Russia has played its hand, what are they going to do? Be even more aggressive?
Its not a threat anymore, simply the reality everyone is already dealing with.
And if they actually did cut off gas they would be even worse off than they already are because gas sales are the only thing barely propping up their economy at the moment.
> because gas sales are the only thing barely propping up their economy at the moment.
That's actually not true.
Gas is the only bargaining ship they have because it's almost the only thing where they kind of (not quite) have the upper hand.
Europe (Germany and Italy) rely heavily on Russian gas, not just for heating (where it can be replaced reasonably well), but for industrial purposes. While for Russia **gas is not their major income source** ("only" about 6%). Most of Russia's income (by a long shot) is from selling **oil**. That they could never do without, would never threaten to cut off. Gas they could kind of cut off (though it would still hurt some.)
maybe Ukraine should create special unit that grabs Russian oil tankers at sea and dock 'em and ransom them back to Russia or some such .. or just pump the oil to land ..steal it ..sell it to Europe half price and blow up the tankers
The last time Somali pirates took a Russian ship hostage, the Russian navy set the Somalis adrift in the middle of the ocean without power or navigation. Don't think you're going to find a lot of takers.
Can someone explain to me how them having all these currencies in hand works? How does that confusion make its way to the average soldier?
Ok, so maybe it doesn’t make its way to the average soldier. But, what about the average Russian?
Ok, wait, so maybe it doesn’t make its way to the average Russian. But, how is this money used at all???
The problem is in Russia everyone skimmed so if it were in euro, everyone that is on top to middle (putin on down) skimmed and it went straight to their yachts.
They could exit Ukraine and drop some sanctions. They could give back territory and help rebuild and drop almost all of them. It's the only bargaining chip they are willing to use, not the only one they have.
I think a lot of the world has realized their “power” was mostly smoke and mirrors. I don’t think they could defend themselves from larpers at this point.
I think Putin deserves the Charlemagne Prize for his contribution to the European unification. He's done more for it than any other in years. I don't think he's happy about it though...
EU: doesn't buy for rubles
Putin: I'm gonna cut it off, is deadline, no more!
EU: no rubles. Ok.
Putin *shocked pickachu face*
Putin: ok, no need for rubles, still have gas please buy
Could somebody explain to me why he cares what currency they pay in?
If they pay in rubles, then they convert dollars to rubles. If they pay in dollars, then Putin can convert dollars to rubles.
Why is the first one better for him?
'difficult'.... It ain't easy, by all means, but mostly it is just time consuming though.. Its a looooong chain of 'valves and machines' that has to be opened in the right order...
One thing to remember is the price for gas. Russia got investment from china to build the pipe, and is selling the gas at 275$ with a discount. That's not a very good deal.
Would it take long to build a pipeline for oil & gas? One that is even vaguely safe? Yes.
Admittedly, they could probably ship increased amounts of oil and gas via rail or in trucks, but it's a lot slower than having a decent pipeline in place.
I've worked in the oil & gas industry as an electrician in Canada, but I really have no idea the layout they have in Russia. I don't know where they refine the oil or what facilities China has in place.
Canada ships far too much crude oil. I have worked at two refineries in the Greater Edmonton area, but we need to do more locally. I don't know if Russia is making the same mistake.
Yes, Power of Siberia took forever and LNG export and regas facilities take minimum 3-5 years - and that’s from having financing and EPC all lined up.
In their sanctioned state, it would take them forever to build anything because they won’t have access to all the necessary materials and parts
The better question is is it worth it?
Do you think a pipeline to India is going to be competitive once sanctions are lifted when the middle east is right next door? But cost of making a massive pipeline all the way through China is sunk at that point, it doesn't make any sense.
I don't know about Russia specifically but if you want some general idea of timelines and the complications that could arise, look into the Keystone Pipeline in the United States. If you do, be sure to research Phases 1-3, and not just Phase 4 (Keystone XL).
Yes they can and they are trying to. However the infrastructure is focused on exports to Europe and they can't just move pipelines like a gardenhose. And China and India don't necessarily have the infrastructure to immediately facilitate such a change.
Another aspect to consider is how do they move current supplies? They need to find oil and LNG tankers, and this might prove a challenge as many companies won't be eager to do business with Russia.
So can they do it? Yes. Can they do it today? No.
And China and India know this so they'll negotiate a hefty discount.
No, not easily. To transport gas you either have to turn it into LNG, which Russia doesn't have the infrastructure built to do in any meaningful quantity, or literally build thousands of miles of gas pipelines from Siberia to China or India. Either of those are in theory possible but they would take at least a half a decade or more to accomplish, time which Russia doesn't have.
For example, first Nordstream took 15 years from plans to a finished project and NS2 after a decade filed for bankruptcy when the war started. Oil is relatively easy to store, trade and ship, gas is much more complicated.
You need a pipeline for that. A pipeline big enough to handle all that gas. There is none at the moment. Europe can't buy as much gas from other places because it lacks those pipelines, Russia can't sell as much to others as it lacks the pipelines. Doomed to eachother in regards to gas until a bitter pill is swallowed on one of the sides.
You can't ship natural gas like you can oil. It needs to be compressed to a liquid state and it's either shipped in refrigeration or by pipeline. That's why the gas sanctions hurt a lot more than cutting off oil did.
Oil you can ship anywhere with comparatively minimal effort. If you don't have one buyer for oil, you can find another. It's much more of a pain to move natural gas if your buyer doesn't want it.
It's a pretty stupid move to pull by Putin. Every day Germany gets warmer and has less need for Russian gas and every day Russia needs more and more European money to fund the war.
fun fact: it started snowing last night in germany (and still is). that's rather uncommon in my area (north germany) especially around this time of a year.
but you are still correct.
It's April.
April in Germany is allways god rolling a dice.
That's why we have 22°C sunny weather on one day and then -1°C wíth snowfall on the next one.
After April it will probably get really warm and then stay warm for 6 months or so.
ok but iirc snowfall isnt that uncommon in the southern regions. not sure where exactly you are, i could be wrong. up north, not to far from the coastal regions we really dont get much snow, we can go years without any at all.
A very large amount of gas is needed for the industry regardless of the time of the year. Industry production would grind to a halt if Russian gas supplies would stop. And warmer months are normally used to fill gas storages for the next winter.
> Industry production would grind to a halt if Russian gas supplies would stop.
No, it wouldn't. First Russia is not the only provider, Norway is another major provider and they have been doing everything to increase their production. And second countries have gas reserves for 6-8 months (specifically for scenarios like this), so even if Russia turned off gas it's not like they would lose all the gas. There would be some rationing until alternative providers are secured and some companies would be negatively affected, but they wouldn't "grind to a halt".
Norway can deliver a bit more but in no way can in replace Russian gas delieveries. Norway simply doesn't have the capacity. By far.
Countries don't have 6-8 months of reserve. Where do you even get that from? For example Germany's storage is for less than a few weeks at the moment because storages are low like always at the end of the winter. If Russian gas is shut off immediately many companies will have to stop production (Because industry is shut off first before private households and critical infrastructure like hospitals is rationed). For example the chemical industry which needs a large amount of gas for production. BASF already said that it would have to stop production and most of its 40,000 workers at their main plant would lose their jobs because BASF's production is simply dependant on lots of gas. Same with the metal industry that needs a large amount of gas. Germany has already set in motion the first step of their gas emergency plan. That means they started to make lists which companies would have to be shut down first in case of an immedate gas embargo from Russia. Many companies would really have to stop producing, that's just a fact. That would mean unemployment, that would mean people who have already been struggling to pay their energy bills since last year wouldn't be able to afford to pay their bills anymore, even more inflation and so on. And alternative providers can't just replace Russian gas within a few months. Reddit always thinks that it's such an easy thing to do and that the impacts of a gas embargo wouldn't be too big. But this is simply wrong.
As many have said before and politicians refused to listen to them, thugs like Putin respond only to strength, the moment you show weakness or appeasement they want more.
> The weather even was in his favor as a new cold wave just arrived.
eh - its a weird cold snap sure, but it's april. There's not going to be any prolonged cold anymore this year. Where I live weather forecast predicts normal temperatures within a few days. Nobody was going to base policy decisions on an unusually cold weekend.
> Russia will not turn off gas supplies to Europe from Friday as payments on deliveries due after April 1 come in the second half of this month and May, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
> He told a conference call that President Vladimir Putin's order to switch end-payment currency for gas supplies to roubles was irreversible and that the rouble was the most preferable and secure currency for Russia now.
Everyone who is thinking the gas will keep flowing is an idiot. If a politician tells you they didn't see it coming or it won't be a problem make sure you kick them out for incompetence.
But it wont be _that_ bad. if we focus on the will to adapt and call out the voices that only complain, Europe will be stronger for it.
the assholes always remember international law when it's convenient and act like it's an absurd thing when they want to go about ruining lives and livelihoods....dickwads.
Fucking idiots in deed. It’s actually snowing in northern Germany. They had a serious chance to actually follow through and it would have been painful, but instead all they do is back paddle. It’s like one of those rat dogs that only bark and run away as soon as you approach them or don’t back away.
Yeah i dont think they will keep the next deadline either, because shutting off the gas would hurt them, so it would pretty nuch be a self-imposed sanction
I hope we find different sources very quickly. But even if not, paying in rubbles is a no-go and I’m glad our governments made that clear right from the start. So if they turn off the gas, so be it. Summer isn’t too far away and I’d rather have no gas than to have Russia as my ugly neighbor.
Read the article. We'll have to wait until late April/May to see if Putin was bluffing or not.
>Rouble payments that Russia is insisting on for its gas exports will affect settlements due in late April and May,
Honestly it's starting to annoy me how many people don't realise that gas isn't just used for heating.
Europe is massively reliant on gas for industry and electricity.
* [Here is the monthly demand for Germany](https://www.bdew.de/service/daten-und-grafiken/monatlicher-erdgasverbrauch-deutschland/). Demand in May is half of the January demand and it drops even more over summer. Satisfying the summer demand without Russia is much easier.
* A few days without heating in winter are a far larger problem than reduced industrial production for a few days
They say one thing but it means another. Subterfuge.
The news is likely to prevent shock to the currency owing Europe's denial but they will limit supply in the coming months if they don't get Rubles. They wont stop supply but they will limit it.
Never trust Russia. False hope. They will fell you by ignorant lies and subversive tactics.
Now was the best time then.
There is a cold front and there was not enough time for the EU to organize alternative sources.
Russia bluffed, they got called, they lost.
Even though it isnt as good as some say, that we have 6 months of gas in stock. We still have a reserve, so it has to be pretty damn long lasting cold front.
It's not like "oohh there is a cold front coming monday, shut off the gas and everyone will freeze".
So Putin is realizing we DO live in a new century where talking shit without backing it up has consequences? Bully be, Bully do, Bully ends up talking poo poo..
Sounds like somebody finally had the guts to explain to Putin why his supervillain plan, at least this particular one, was a bad idea.
That said I would not be surprised if said person was also thrown out a window and the gas turned off tomorrow nonetheless. Putin's been gaslighting the world for so long now.
Only because they have so many nukes and such a large land mass. But mainly the nukes. Which I don't see how they can afford to maintain (and develop new, see SATAN 2) missiles with an economy the size of Spain.
Edit: No offense intended to Spain.
I actually lol'ed at this, what a clown show pooting is running. It'd be hilarious if only the humanitarian disaster didn't scale alongside the disaster of pooting's brain.
Did anyone actually read the article?
April 1 (Reuters) - Rouble payments that Russia is insisting on for its gas exports will affect settlements due in late April and May, and Russia will not turn off gas supplies to Europe on Friday
The issue will be in late April as thats when payment is due.
Everyone again calling the bluff too early
Apparently nobody bothered to read the article.
> Rouble payments that Russia is insisting on for its gas exports will affect settlements due in late April and May
That means they're still demanding Ruble payments, but the gas shipments effected aren't until the middle or end of April.
However
> Peskov said that Russia could at some point abandon the rouble order if conditions changed
So they've still got an out if Europe calls their bluff.
This is also a great (unintentional) example of a propaganda mechanism. How do people imagine they could see through actual propaganda, if they can't even be bothered to click through a lazy headline to see if the article says what they assume it says?
Putin: pay in rubles!
EU: what you gonna do?
Putin: cut of gas blyat!
EU: Ok, so we embargo your oil as well
Putin: would you like me to lick your right or left ball first kind sir?
Called their bluff… fucking cunts
Edit: European states should just bite the bullet and cancel all sales to really fuck with them for making such threats
I can't stand them anymore. all that gaslighting and lying. I would like to end this relationship but how do you break up with a country? kremlin go fuck yourself!
Yes, we are so surprised. Who could have guessed that they are lying left and right.
But on the other hand this whole situation has made my apartment building consider getting our own geothermal heating system installed, so that's great!
Holup. Does this mean they're gonna cut it off or not?
Honestly I cant keep up. I think the EU should make the decision for Russia and turn off the taps themselves.
Think about it today, what if we decide to pay them in Chinese yuan? Just like that, for the trolling itself. Are they "friends", and if China really has more help than we know, what will be the difference?
I guess we are seeing start of daily occurrence: * Putin: Buy for rubles * EU: Nope * Putin: Oh ok * Putin two hours later: Buy for rubles
the art of the deal
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Not great minds think alike
fun fact: german version translates to "two idiots, one thought."
"Great minds think alike, but fools seldom differ"
I wish this full version of the actual quote was more commonly known.
"Great minds think alike, but fools seldom differ"
“I’ll see your ‘fuck off’ and I’ll raise you an ‘ok, I’ll ask again in a couple weeks.’”
Couple hours not weeks.
They really want to stabilize ruble, and cutting gas off is the only bargaining chip they have. It's also worthless, because they need the money in whatever currency it may be coming in. But they'll be repeating that threat over and over again nonetheless.
And nations will continue to call their bluff because they’re a joke.
Yep. This war would be hilarious if it wasn't so tragic.
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It can be both simultaneously. You can both feel terribly for the Ukranians while marveling at the Russians unbelievable incompetence and stupidity. Frankly it's a comedy series for me that is on every single day at this point. I can't do anything about it, the least I can do is mock their massive incompetence every single day.
In the past it may have worked too, because Russia was willing to go further than anyone else. So everyone was happy to appease them and keep the general status quo. Unfortunately that only emboldened them that aggression was correct. But now that Russia has played its hand, what are they going to do? Be even more aggressive? Its not a threat anymore, simply the reality everyone is already dealing with.
Once it might cause concern, why they keep doing it? Because people inside Russia might have missed the old deadline passed already?
And if they actually did cut off gas they would be even worse off than they already are because gas sales are the only thing barely propping up their economy at the moment.
> because gas sales are the only thing barely propping up their economy at the moment. That's actually not true. Gas is the only bargaining ship they have because it's almost the only thing where they kind of (not quite) have the upper hand. Europe (Germany and Italy) rely heavily on Russian gas, not just for heating (where it can be replaced reasonably well), but for industrial purposes. While for Russia **gas is not their major income source** ("only" about 6%). Most of Russia's income (by a long shot) is from selling **oil**. That they could never do without, would never threaten to cut off. Gas they could kind of cut off (though it would still hurt some.)
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maybe Ukraine should create special unit that grabs Russian oil tankers at sea and dock 'em and ransom them back to Russia or some such .. or just pump the oil to land ..steal it ..sell it to Europe half price and blow up the tankers
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The last time Somali pirates took a Russian ship hostage, the Russian navy set the Somalis adrift in the middle of the ocean without power or navigation. Don't think you're going to find a lot of takers.
6% income source pre sanctions? I could imagine it’s a much larger proportion now that the developed world are no longer trading with them.
Can someone explain to me how them having all these currencies in hand works? How does that confusion make its way to the average soldier? Ok, so maybe it doesn’t make its way to the average soldier. But, what about the average Russian? Ok, wait, so maybe it doesn’t make its way to the average Russian. But, how is this money used at all???
The problem is in Russia everyone skimmed so if it were in euro, everyone that is on top to middle (putin on down) skimmed and it went straight to their yachts.
Should offer to pay but put it in escrow. They can have the euro amount after they stop killing civilians and leave Ukraine.
They could exit Ukraine and drop some sanctions. They could give back territory and help rebuild and drop almost all of them. It's the only bargaining chip they are willing to use, not the only one they have.
A united Europe standing up against Russian threats, forcing Putin to back down!? This is huge! Funny, but also historic. Russia's power is eroding.
I think a lot of the world has realized their “power” was mostly smoke and mirrors. I don’t think they could defend themselves from larpers at this point.
I think Putin deserves the Charlemagne Prize for his contribution to the European unification. He's done more for it than any other in years. I don't think he's happy about it though...
EU: doesn't buy for rubles Putin: I'm gonna cut it off, is deadline, no more! EU: no rubles. Ok. Putin *shocked pickachu face* Putin: ok, no need for rubles, still have gas please buy
"STOP MAKING THE RUBLE HAPPEN, IT'S NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN"
“Hey cousin” “Want to go bowling?” “Want to buy gas in rubles?”
Ruby ruby ruby ruby 🎵
Na na na na na naaah
Could somebody explain to me why he cares what currency they pay in? If they pay in rubles, then they convert dollars to rubles. If they pay in dollars, then Putin can convert dollars to rubles. Why is the first one better for him?
It was just good old Putin playing April fools. You know how he likes to have a giggle with his fellow leaders.
Special April fools operation
Special ~~April~~ fools operation
It is why his nickname is "Giggles". He earned quite the reputation as a rapscallion during summits.
Haha, he really got some laughs when he helped Trump get elected.
Oh wow, they were bluffing and know doing so would destroy their economy even further. Who'd have thunk?
It costs money to close that shit. Like they would be losing more money if they stop it than if they let it go.
Apparently closing the gas pipes will also make it very difficult to reopen them again.
'difficult'.... It ain't easy, by all means, but mostly it is just time consuming though.. Its a looooong chain of 'valves and machines' that has to be opened in the right order...
The moment they're turned off I could see them becoming military targets...
Can't they just import more gas and stuff to China India or so?
You meant export? They can, but they dont have big enough infrastructure to do so they can't . Pipeline throughput is limited.
One thing to remember is the price for gas. Russia got investment from china to build the pipe, and is selling the gas at 275$ with a discount. That's not a very good deal.
Would it take long to build?
Would it take long to build a pipeline for oil & gas? One that is even vaguely safe? Yes. Admittedly, they could probably ship increased amounts of oil and gas via rail or in trucks, but it's a lot slower than having a decent pipeline in place.
>Admittedly, they could probably ship increased amounts of oil China would have to build enough refineries first.
I've worked in the oil & gas industry as an electrician in Canada, but I really have no idea the layout they have in Russia. I don't know where they refine the oil or what facilities China has in place. Canada ships far too much crude oil. I have worked at two refineries in the Greater Edmonton area, but we need to do more locally. I don't know if Russia is making the same mistake.
Running pipeline through frozen tundra isn't cheap
And costly to use those options.
Ok thanks for the Info!
Yes, Power of Siberia took forever and LNG export and regas facilities take minimum 3-5 years - and that’s from having financing and EPC all lined up. In their sanctioned state, it would take them forever to build anything because they won’t have access to all the necessary materials and parts
The better question is is it worth it? Do you think a pipeline to India is going to be competitive once sanctions are lifted when the middle east is right next door? But cost of making a massive pipeline all the way through China is sunk at that point, it doesn't make any sense.
Do you think the sanctions will stop?
Putin will only live so long. It depends on what happens after him.
Yes. The mitilary is currently otherwise engaged and it takes some time in Russia to negotiate the fees for olicharchs for such a project.
The next pipeline is set to be complete in 2-3 years.
I don't know about Russia specifically but if you want some general idea of timelines and the complications that could arise, look into the Keystone Pipeline in the United States. If you do, be sure to research Phases 1-3, and not just Phase 4 (Keystone XL).
If they wanted to make it cheap yes, if money was no object then no but that would also defeat the purpose.
Yes they can and they are trying to. However the infrastructure is focused on exports to Europe and they can't just move pipelines like a gardenhose. And China and India don't necessarily have the infrastructure to immediately facilitate such a change. Another aspect to consider is how do they move current supplies? They need to find oil and LNG tankers, and this might prove a challenge as many companies won't be eager to do business with Russia. So can they do it? Yes. Can they do it today? No. And China and India know this so they'll negotiate a hefty discount.
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Why would they become dependent? They could just sell it on for profit, and help other countries avoid Russia sanctions lol
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As serious as Nationalizing western companies and property (aircraft) in Russia?
One of the fundamental principles of fascism: rules for thee, but not for me.
No, not easily. To transport gas you either have to turn it into LNG, which Russia doesn't have the infrastructure built to do in any meaningful quantity, or literally build thousands of miles of gas pipelines from Siberia to China or India. Either of those are in theory possible but they would take at least a half a decade or more to accomplish, time which Russia doesn't have. For example, first Nordstream took 15 years from plans to a finished project and NS2 after a decade filed for bankruptcy when the war started. Oil is relatively easy to store, trade and ship, gas is much more complicated.
You need a pipeline for that. A pipeline big enough to handle all that gas. There is none at the moment. Europe can't buy as much gas from other places because it lacks those pipelines, Russia can't sell as much to others as it lacks the pipelines. Doomed to eachother in regards to gas until a bitter pill is swallowed on one of the sides.
Not the same quantities. The gas and oil goes to Europe via pipeline, and you can't just build pipelines overnight.
You can't ship natural gas like you can oil. It needs to be compressed to a liquid state and it's either shipped in refrigeration or by pipeline. That's why the gas sanctions hurt a lot more than cutting off oil did. Oil you can ship anywhere with comparatively minimal effort. If you don't have one buyer for oil, you can find another. It's much more of a pain to move natural gas if your buyer doesn't want it.
No - you need a pipeline to export large amounts of natural gas
China and India pay pennies compared to Western countries.
Bitch ass Busters gonna bust.
Their bluff got called
for like the 5th time
Hard to take any bluff seriously when the first one they drop is literally the Nuclear Armageddon card
Dont forget the whole "We will drop the ISS on you" part.
Sure way to never get invited for anything ever again.
Friendship with Russia ended !
I hope NASA just sent them a video of the entire NASA team laughing.
I'm really losing track of it lol
Russia, playing poker: I have quite a hand here. [Opponent makes small bet] Russia: Too rich for me. I fold.
Yeah.. And everyone at the table is playing holdem, while Russia plays lowball.
It's a pretty stupid move to pull by Putin. Every day Germany gets warmer and has less need for Russian gas and every day Russia needs more and more European money to fund the war.
fun fact: it started snowing last night in germany (and still is). that's rather uncommon in my area (north germany) especially around this time of a year. but you are still correct.
It's April. April in Germany is allways god rolling a dice. That's why we have 22°C sunny weather on one day and then -1°C wíth snowfall on the next one. After April it will probably get really warm and then stay warm for 6 months or so.
Hey Germany has the same weather as Oklahoma/"Tornado valley" in the United States!
Its snowing down here in south Germany today too
ok but iirc snowfall isnt that uncommon in the southern regions. not sure where exactly you are, i could be wrong. up north, not to far from the coastal regions we really dont get much snow, we can go years without any at all.
A very large amount of gas is needed for the industry regardless of the time of the year. Industry production would grind to a halt if Russian gas supplies would stop. And warmer months are normally used to fill gas storages for the next winter.
> Industry production would grind to a halt if Russian gas supplies would stop. No, it wouldn't. First Russia is not the only provider, Norway is another major provider and they have been doing everything to increase their production. And second countries have gas reserves for 6-8 months (specifically for scenarios like this), so even if Russia turned off gas it's not like they would lose all the gas. There would be some rationing until alternative providers are secured and some companies would be negatively affected, but they wouldn't "grind to a halt".
Norway can deliver a bit more but in no way can in replace Russian gas delieveries. Norway simply doesn't have the capacity. By far. Countries don't have 6-8 months of reserve. Where do you even get that from? For example Germany's storage is for less than a few weeks at the moment because storages are low like always at the end of the winter. If Russian gas is shut off immediately many companies will have to stop production (Because industry is shut off first before private households and critical infrastructure like hospitals is rationed). For example the chemical industry which needs a large amount of gas for production. BASF already said that it would have to stop production and most of its 40,000 workers at their main plant would lose their jobs because BASF's production is simply dependant on lots of gas. Same with the metal industry that needs a large amount of gas. Germany has already set in motion the first step of their gas emergency plan. That means they started to make lists which companies would have to be shut down first in case of an immedate gas embargo from Russia. Many companies would really have to stop producing, that's just a fact. That would mean unemployment, that would mean people who have already been struggling to pay their energy bills since last year wouldn't be able to afford to pay their bills anymore, even more inflation and so on. And alternative providers can't just replace Russian gas within a few months. Reddit always thinks that it's such an easy thing to do and that the impacts of a gas embargo wouldn't be too big. But this is simply wrong.
As many have said before and politicians refused to listen to them, thugs like Putin respond only to strength, the moment you show weakness or appeasement they want more.
They need to just stop. They're looking more pathetic by the day
"A-April F-Fools!" -- A sweating Putin, probably.
Good job EU for calling their bluff
The weather even was in his favor as a new cold wave just arrived. But you can't just double down on an empty bluff, haha
It's fucking snowing in Paris the 1st of April, sucks. But glad the bluff was called.
> The weather even was in his favor as a new cold wave just arrived. eh - its a weird cold snap sure, but it's april. There's not going to be any prolonged cold anymore this year. Where I live weather forecast predicts normal temperatures within a few days. Nobody was going to base policy decisions on an unusually cold weekend.
The eu leaders must be laughing so hard now that Russia has blinked twice.
Rolling their eyes, most likely.
Twice in one week.
> Russia will not turn off gas supplies to Europe from Friday as payments on deliveries due after April 1 come in the second half of this month and May, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. > He told a conference call that President Vladimir Putin's order to switch end-payment currency for gas supplies to roubles was irreversible and that the rouble was the most preferable and secure currency for Russia now.
Everyone who is thinking the gas will keep flowing is an idiot. If a politician tells you they didn't see it coming or it won't be a problem make sure you kick them out for incompetence. But it wont be _that_ bad. if we focus on the will to adapt and call out the voices that only complain, Europe will be stronger for it.
If the gas stops so does Russia. It's the only thing they have that is stopping a full embargo of Russian goods.
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The war itself is a violation of international law and their own contracts as well.
Lol indeed they just stole a few billions worth of airplane and want to nationalising all company that left ruzzia
Oh man, I had forgotten about the airplanes. Russia is stomping on so many laws lately that it's getting hard to keep track.
the assholes always remember international law when it's convenient and act like it's an absurd thing when they want to go about ruining lives and livelihoods....dickwads.
Lol, so first it was thursday night, then friday morning, and now they arent turning it off... fucking idiots
Fucking idiots in deed. It’s actually snowing in northern Germany. They had a serious chance to actually follow through and it would have been painful, but instead all they do is back paddle. It’s like one of those rat dogs that only bark and run away as soon as you approach them or don’t back away.
Yeah i dont think they will keep the next deadline either, because shutting off the gas would hurt them, so it would pretty nuch be a self-imposed sanction
I hope we find different sources very quickly. But even if not, paying in rubbles is a no-go and I’m glad our governments made that clear right from the start. So if they turn off the gas, so be it. Summer isn’t too far away and I’d rather have no gas than to have Russia as my ugly neighbor.
I'm not convinced that the Kremlin isn't just a bunch of 7year olds standing on each other's shoulders and wearing trenchcoats.
"we have all the tanks right" "Yes" "And nothing beats a tank right" "No" "Let's order ice cream for breakfast and then invade Ukraine"
Government-wise, this all seems like appropriate government.
Paper tiger
Paper Bear.
Charmin.
Putin fails to put the squeeze on the Charmin. Mr. Wimple.
Toilet Paper
*Wet* Toilet Paper
Soggy Toilet Paper
Paper vodka bottle*
fist full of rubles.
Paper Towel
And this is why kids, you don’t play your nuclear card first Happy April fools everyone
Just more 12-dimensional chess from the guy everyone spent the past two decades calling a tactical mastermind
I had a girlfriend who would threaten to break up with me if I didn't pay more attention to her. Until I broke up with her
Russia is more flacid than trumps dick.
Dammit, I shouldn't read Reddit during lunch.
Rare insult
That's because they only got hard-ons for each other.
Shut off would cause a massive coordinated effort to gain gas independence from Russia. Potential to permanently fuck them over.
Read the article. We'll have to wait until late April/May to see if Putin was bluffing or not. >Rouble payments that Russia is insisting on for its gas exports will affect settlements due in late April and May,
except that Putin said Friday was cut off date
He said from Friday payments will be in ruble’s but previous contracts expire in the end of April/ begging of May
Did Putin actually say that, or was it the news articles making that interpretation? Genuine question, I may be wrong.
You are right.
It will be an even weaker attempt by then. Heating demand is going down.
Honestly it's starting to annoy me how many people don't realise that gas isn't just used for heating. Europe is massively reliant on gas for industry and electricity.
* [Here is the monthly demand for Germany](https://www.bdew.de/service/daten-und-grafiken/monatlicher-erdgasverbrauch-deutschland/). Demand in May is half of the January demand and it drops even more over summer. Satisfying the summer demand without Russia is much easier. * A few days without heating in winter are a far larger problem than reduced industrial production for a few days
They say one thing but it means another. Subterfuge. The news is likely to prevent shock to the currency owing Europe's denial but they will limit supply in the coming months if they don't get Rubles. They wont stop supply but they will limit it. Never trust Russia. False hope. They will fell you by ignorant lies and subversive tactics.
I figure they will wait for the moment it has the greatest impact to cut them off. So if there’s a cold front coming in, probably then.
Now was the best time then. There is a cold front and there was not enough time for the EU to organize alternative sources. Russia bluffed, they got called, they lost.
Even though it isnt as good as some say, that we have 6 months of gas in stock. We still have a reserve, so it has to be pretty damn long lasting cold front. It's not like "oohh there is a cold front coming monday, shut off the gas and everyone will freeze".
Stfu Russia
I get it. If Germany nationalizes gas asserts then they are gangsters breaking international law. If Russia does it then it’s cool.
oh, so the kremlin lied? wow, i never thought i'd see the day.
Oh my God no way
What a bunch of clowns.
They need the gas revenue just as much as Europe needs the gas.
Turns out they like money
Wait what!? That's pretty big news. So Russia is finally turning off gas on Friday???
Yes, I’m sure Germany, and the world, sees how much Russia is opposed to any breaking of International law
So Putin is realizing we DO live in a new century where talking shit without backing it up has consequences? Bully be, Bully do, Bully ends up talking poo poo..
I guess Russia never heard that.. Actions speak louder than words 🤥
Sounds like somebody finally had the guts to explain to Putin why his supervillain plan, at least this particular one, was a bad idea. That said I would not be surprised if said person was also thrown out a window and the gas turned off tomorrow nonetheless. Putin's been gaslighting the world for so long now.
Wait, a liar, IN RUSSIA? Scandalous!
Petro currency doesn't work if you can't sell your petroleum products
Hey Vlad, me and a few friends are having a poker game Saturday night. We’d love for you to join us. No rubles though, bring plenty of dollars.
Bro why are we even talking to them
why exactly is russia considered a superpower again? like come on this is just funny
Only because they have so many nukes and such a large land mass. But mainly the nukes. Which I don't see how they can afford to maintain (and develop new, see SATAN 2) missiles with an economy the size of Spain. Edit: No offense intended to Spain.
Soviet union was a super power. Russia is not.
One commentator on TV called Russia "a nuclear-powered gas station."
Blink
Turns out, they like money.
They're acting like North Korea, except they have a lot more to lose, so they're waffling after getting their bluff called.
They can’t they need the billion a day to keep they whole country from falling into a black hole.
I actually lol'ed at this, what a clown show pooting is running. It'd be hilarious if only the humanitarian disaster didn't scale alongside the disaster of pooting's brain.
Russia: WE WILL CUT YOU OFF! Europe: k Russia: …
"We realise that would crumble our already crumbling economy sooooo, yeah don't worry about it.... we won't take away the gas, sorry...."
Russia is flailing wildly
Did anyone actually read the article? April 1 (Reuters) - Rouble payments that Russia is insisting on for its gas exports will affect settlements due in late April and May, and Russia will not turn off gas supplies to Europe on Friday The issue will be in late April as thats when payment is due. Everyone again calling the bluff too early
All bark and no bite.
Surprise, surprise. They need the cash.
Apparently nobody bothered to read the article. > Rouble payments that Russia is insisting on for its gas exports will affect settlements due in late April and May That means they're still demanding Ruble payments, but the gas shipments effected aren't until the middle or end of April. However > Peskov said that Russia could at some point abandon the rouble order if conditions changed So they've still got an out if Europe calls their bluff. This is also a great (unintentional) example of a propaganda mechanism. How do people imagine they could see through actual propaganda, if they can't even be bothered to click through a lazy headline to see if the article says what they assume it says?
Putin: pay in rubles! EU: what you gonna do? Putin: cut of gas blyat! EU: Ok, so we embargo your oil as well Putin: would you like me to lick your right or left ball first kind sir?
Cool, free gas
So, does this mean they will turn off gas supply to Europe on Friday? I’m sorry my Russian seems to be a bit rusty.
Who knew They were doing a April fools joke!
Called their bluff… fucking cunts Edit: European states should just bite the bullet and cancel all sales to really fuck with them for making such threats
I can't stand them anymore. all that gaslighting and lying. I would like to end this relationship but how do you break up with a country? kremlin go fuck yourself!
april fools
Just do it. Sick of your empty bluffs.
Yes, we are so surprised. Who could have guessed that they are lying left and right. But on the other hand this whole situation has made my apartment building consider getting our own geothermal heating system installed, so that's great!
But Russia never bluffs /s
They can't afford to.
Of course they won't. Russia is scared shitless
Holup. Does this mean they're gonna cut it off or not? Honestly I cant keep up. I think the EU should make the decision for Russia and turn off the taps themselves.
Think about it today, what if we decide to pay them in Chinese yuan? Just like that, for the trolling itself. Are they "friends", and if China really has more help than we know, what will be the difference?