It is impossible to demand that the European economy give up Russian gas overnight, chief EU diplomat Josep Borrell told DW. According to him, the EU will continue to reduce gas purchases from Russia.

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EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell rejects criticism of EU energy policy. EU countries have cut natural gas purchases from Russia by half since the beginning of the Russian military invasion of Ukraine, Borrell said in an interview with DW media company on Friday, July 29.

" According to Borrell, it is impossible "

Asked why Brussels did not impose punitive tariffs on Russian gas to reduce the flow of funds into Moscow's military treasury, Borrell said the proposal was seriously considered but rejected.. According to him, instead, a " – ed. ) oil from the end of the year, and now we are in the process of stopping buying gas (from Russia. – ed. )" At the same time, he noted that a further reduction in Russian gas imports will happen "

The top EU diplomat also dismissed claims that the Russian economy has not yet been hit hard by Western sanctions, while European consumers are already feeling the brunt of high energy bills.. In his opinion, more important than reducing the consumption of Russian gas are efforts aimed at "

" " And you will see how many electronic components of Western companies are there. They (Russians. – ed. ) will no longer have access to them,"

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As the head of EU diplomacy noted, Russia's GDP will shrink by 10% this year, which, according to him, will lead to " Very soon, Russian President Vladimir Putin "