Russia's military invasion of Ukraine continues.
Russian and Ukrainian troops continue to fight in various parts of Ukraine, and many civilians are evacuating abroad.
We will keep you updated on the movements on the 16th (Japan time) regarding the situation in Ukraine, such as the situation of the battle and the diplomacy of the countries concerned.
(There is a time difference of 6 hours between Japan and Ukraine and Moscow in Russia)
Will Russian gas company reduce natural gas supply to Italy by 15%?
Italian oil and gas company ENI told local media yesterday that Russia's supply of natural gas has been reduced by 15%.
According to the company, Russia's largest government-affiliated gas company, Gazprom, which supplies natural gas, has not disclosed details such as the reason for the reduction.
The Italian government says, "We are closely monitoring the supply of natural gas. So far, there are no serious problems with the supply."
Italy relies on Russia for about 40% of its natural gas imports, but in response to the situation in Ukraine, it is diversifying its sources to include North Africa and the Middle East.
Russian gas company announces 60% reduction in natural gas supply to Germany
Russia's largest government-affiliated gas company Gazprom announced on the 15th that the gas supply for the gas pipeline "Nord Stream" for Germany will be reduced by about 60% from the original plan from the 16th, saying that the equipment repair deadline has passed. It was revealed that it would be.
Gazprom just announced on the 14th of the previous day that it would reduce its supply by about 40% due to delays in repairing other equipment in the pipeline, which it will be responsible for energy policy in Germany. Habeck, the Minister of Economy and Climate Protection, said at a press conference on the 15th that repairs are scheduled for fall and do not need to be done now.
"The Russian response is a clear strategy to destabilize the situation and raise energy prices," he said in a statement following Gazprom's announcement yesterday.
He emphasized that there were no problems with domestic gas supply, and that he would continue to pay close attention to the situation and take measures as necessary.
US $ 1 billion in additional military assistance to Ukraine
The White House in the United States announced on the 15th that President Biden had a telephone conversation with President Zelensky of Ukraine and announced that he would provide additional military support worth 1 billion dollars, or about 130 billion yen in Japanese yen.
Specifically, in addition to weapons and shells for artillery, weapons for coastal defense and rocket systems will be provided.
It also revealed that it will provide additional humanitarian assistance worth about $ 225 million, or about 30 billion yen in Japanese yen.
EU East Mediterranean Natural Gas Procurement to Strengthen Cooperation with Israel and Egypt
The EU, Israel, and Egypt met in Cairo, the capital of Egypt, on the 15th and agreed to strengthen cooperation for a stable supply of natural gas produced in the eastern Mediterranean to Europe.
The agreement confirmed that natural gas produced off the coast of Israel would be transported to Egypt by pipeline, then liquefied and exported to Europe, as well as technological development to improve transportation technology.
After the agreement, EU President Ursula von der Leyen said at a meeting, "The two countries are truly credible as they move from fossil fuels to reliable partners in Russia to diversify their energy sources. It's ahead, "he emphasized the significance of the agreement.
Regarding natural gas in the eastern Mediterranean, which is said to have abundant reserves, neighboring countries were seeking cooperation, such as the construction of a submarine pipeline to Europe, but Russia's military invasion of Ukraine. In response to this, cooperation has accelerated.