Giving up Russian gas would be much wiser decision for Europe – Lithuanian adviser

VILNIUS - As Russia is making sharp cuts to gas supplies to Europe through the Nord Stream gas pipeline, giving up Russian gas would be a much wiser decision for the European, says Jaroslav Neverovic, a top adviser to Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda.

In his words, it's clear that Russia is seeking to undermine Europe by cutting gas supplies.

"This is absolute manipulation and a clear goal of maintaining at least the minimum flow of gas, which, on top of significantly higher prices, means even higher revenue for the Russian budget. Obviously, the goal here is to get the maximum revenue from the minimum gas flow by reducing it to hurt Europe, to somehow divide Europe and to threaten Europe, while at the same time taking the maximum amount of money," Neverovic told the public radio LRT on Thursday.

"Giving up Russian gas would be a much wiser decision," he added.

On Wednesday, Russian energy giant Gazprom sharply cut gas supplies to Europe through the Nord Stream pipeline which is now only operating at around 20 percent of its capacity.