Kremlin Envoy Denounces EU’s Delayed Response to Energy Crisis

(MENAFN) A senior Russian official has sharply criticized the European Union for what he described as a failure to effectively address the ongoing energy crisis, arguing that the bloc has acted far too late to prepare for potential supply disruptions.

Kirill Dmitriev, who serves as a special envoy under Vladimir Putin, made the remarks in reaction to recent statements by Dan Jorgensen. Jorgensen had warned that the conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran could have “structural, long-lasting effects” on Europe’s energy stability. He noted that officials in Brussels are preparing contingency plans, including the potential release of strategic oil reserves and even fuel rationing measures such as limiting jet fuel or diesel if conditions worsen.

Responding via social media, Dmitriev dismissed these preparations, stating: “Still only warnings, NO REAL FIXES,” Dmitriev, who serves as President Vladimir Putin’s special envoy for investment and economic cooperation, wrote on X on Friday.

He further added: “EU warns 15 YEARS TOO LATE it is not prepared for a ‘long-lasting energy shock.’ EU failed to diversify energy flows, guided by Russophobic, Green, and woke ideology,” he added.

In his earlier remarks, Jorgensen made clear that the EU does not intend to resume energy imports from Russia. He reaffirmed plans to eliminate purchases of Russian liquefied natural gas by the end of 2026, emphasizing that supplies from the US and other partner nations would help compensate.

Additionally, the bloc aims to fully halt imports of Russian pipeline gas by autumn 2027. Despite these plans, official figures indicate that Russia still accounted for roughly 13% of the EU’s gas supply in 2025.

Previously, Putin cautioned that Russia could choose to exit the European gas market altogether, redirecting exports toward developing economies rather than waiting for the EU’s restrictions to take effect. He also argued that the current energy challenges facing Europe stem from what he described as flawed long-term policy decisions within the bloc.

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