G7 countries to assist Ukraine over possible Russian natural gas supply restrictions

The energy ministers from the G7 countries are expected to sign off on an emergency response plan in June to assist Ukraine in strengthening its energy security if Russia restricts natural gas supplies to the country for the coming winter.

The Independent reported that the UK and other countries are developing plans to disarm the threat of President Vladimir Putin using Russian gas and oil supplies as a weapon against Ukraine and its Eastern European neighbours.

Ukraine currently receives over 50% of its natural gas from Russia, while Europe secures around 30% of its gas from the country.

The energy ministers from the G7 countries, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and US agreed a plan with the EU Commissioner for Energy to address the energy security challenges in Ukraine.

Russia shut off the natural gas supplies from its gas fields to Ukraine for around three days in January 2006 and for 20 days in January 2009.

UK Energy & Climate Change secretary Ed Davey represented Britain at the G7 talks in Rome held on 6 May.

Davey told the Independent that unless action was taken now, Russia would undoubtedly continue to use energy as a weapon.

"It is completely unacceptable for President Putin to use Russia’s gas and oil supplies as a weapon to exert control and power over Ukraine, or any other country," Davey said.

"But this is not the first time he has done this, so we have to take a stand this time, or he will undoubtedly continue to use energy as a weapon."