Russia Cuts Gas through Nord Stream 1 to 20% of Capacity

Pipes at the landfall facilities of the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline are pictured in Lubmin, Germany, March 8, 2022. (Reuters)
Pipes at the landfall facilities of the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline are pictured in Lubmin, Germany, March 8, 2022. (Reuters)
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Russia Cuts Gas through Nord Stream 1 to 20% of Capacity

Pipes at the landfall facilities of the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline are pictured in Lubmin, Germany, March 8, 2022. (Reuters)
Pipes at the landfall facilities of the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline are pictured in Lubmin, Germany, March 8, 2022. (Reuters)

Russia’s Gazprom on Wednesday halved the amount of natural gas flowing through a major pipeline from Russia to Europe to 20% of capacity. It’s the latest reduction to Nord Stream 1 that Russia has blamed on technical problems, but Germany calls a political move to sow uncertainty and push up prices amid the war in Ukraine.

The Russian state-controlled energy giant announced Monday that it would carry out the reduction citing equipment repairs, further raising fears that Russia could cut off gas completely to try to gain political leverage over Europe as it tries to bolster its storage levels for winter.

Data on the Nord Stream website and the head of Germany’s network regulator, Klaus Mueller, confirmed the reduction.

“Gas is now a part of Russian foreign policy and possibly Russian war strategy,” Mueller told Deutschlandfunk radio.

Prices surged to the highest levels since early March for natural gas, which is used to power industry, generate electricity and heat homes in the winter. Climbing energy prices are fueling inflation, further squeezing people’s spending power and heightening concerns that Europe could plunge into recession if it does not save enough gas to get through the cold months.

That fear led EU governments on Tuesday to agree to reduce natural gas use to protect against further supply cuts by Russia.

The draft law aims to lower demand for gas by 15% from August through March through voluntary steps. If there aren't enough savings, mandatory cuts would be triggered in the 27-nation bloc.

Russia recently has accounted for about a third of Germany’s gas supplies. The government said last week that the drop in gas flows confirmed that Germany can’t rely on Russian deliveries, announcing that it would step up its gas storage requirements and take further measures to conserve supplies.



Netanyahu Says Ordered Enhanced Security at Israeli Missions Worldwide

An FBI agent on the scene where two people were shot and killed near the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, USA, 22 May 2025. EPA/WILL OLIVER
An FBI agent on the scene where two people were shot and killed near the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, USA, 22 May 2025. EPA/WILL OLIVER
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Netanyahu Says Ordered Enhanced Security at Israeli Missions Worldwide

An FBI agent on the scene where two people were shot and killed near the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, USA, 22 May 2025. EPA/WILL OLIVER
An FBI agent on the scene where two people were shot and killed near the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, USA, 22 May 2025. EPA/WILL OLIVER

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday he has ordered enhanced security measures at Israeli diplomatic missions worldwide after a gunman who shouted "free Palestine" shot dead two embassy staffers outside a Jewish museum in Washington.

"I have instructed to enhance security arrangements at Israeli missions around the world and to increase protection for state representatives," he said.

"We are witnessing the terrible price of anti-Semitism and the wild incitement against the State of Israel."

Gunfire broke out late Wednesday outside the Capital Jewish Museum in the center of Washington as the venue held a social event for young professionals and diplomatic staff.

A video clip circulating on social media showed a young man in a jacket and white shirt shouting "free, free Palestine" as he was led away by police.

The victims were a young couple who planned to get married, according to the Israeli ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said he was "devastated" by the fatal attack but said the two countries would "stand united in defense of our people.”