Europe will not be able to cover the gas deficit without Russian supplies, as the Strait of Hormuz is closed and the Qatari plant was shut down after attacks, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said.

“We are sure that there is currently no way to cover the deficit, given that the Strait of Hormuz is closed and the plant in Qatar was halted as a result of March attacks. This is why, in my view, European politicians are shooting themselves in the foot if they ban supplies, including those from Russia,” he said.