German Chancellor Scholz publicly brands Russia an unreliable gas supplier

Scholz was likely referring to the effects of a gas shortage imposed by Russia, which in June reduced flow through the Nord Stream-1 pipeline by 60%, and in July, cut off supplies entirely - ostensibly due to a technical maintenance issue, which had since been resolved.

The German leader also rejected a Russian proposal to commission the Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline for the full-scale restoration of gas supplies to Germany.

Read also: Germany could nationalize part of Nord Stream 2 pipeline

"The throughput capacity of the Nord Stream 1, Yamal, and through Ukraine gas pipelines is sufficient for Russia to meet its supply obligations," the chancellor stated.

He highlighted that there is no embargo on the supply of Russian gas, and the technical reasons for the decrease in supply were put forward only by Moscow.

He also mentioned the repair of the Siemens turbine, which is necessary for the full functioning of the Nord Stream-1 pipeline, and called the Kremlin's statements that the gas supply was cut for technical reasons unconvincing.

Read also: Why Europe has to reassess the role of Nord Stream 1, and how this should be done

"[Things] will not get more reliable than today,” Scholz said.

“One cannot count on something if the contract is not fulfilled, although it has already been signed five times.”

He made it clear that Berlin can no longer rely on Russia, saying that Germany would adapt and play it safe when it came to Russian promises.

Read also: Europe must not give in to Putin’s energy blackmail

"Technically, it would never be a problem to fulfill all supplier obligations that lie with Russia," the chancellor concluded.

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine