The German chancellor emphasizes the need for the West to intensify efforts in seeking energy alternatives to Russia.

• Olaf Scholz, the German Chancellor, has stated that the West must exert great effort in seeking out alternative energy sources apart from Russia, as discussions about potential sanctions become more intense.
• On Saturday, the EU leader and NATO chief emphasized the importance of decreasing dependence on Russia for energy.
• If Russia invades Ukraine, there has been much discussion among Western officials about imposing sanctions, specifically targeting its energy sector.

Olaf Scholz, the German Chancellor, has stated that the West must exert great effort in seeking out alternative energy sources apart from Russia, as discussions about potential sanctions become more intense.

At the Munich Security Conference, Scholz emphasized that the West heavily depends on Russia's energy sources.

Russia exports a significant amount of oil, coal, and gas to numerous countries, including the United States, he stated on Saturday.

To achieve a situation where we have alternatives, we must work hard and ensure good cooperation. We must return to a situation where there is no confrontation, which is our ultimate goal.

Last year, the European Union's largest supplier of natural gas and oil was Russia.

Officials from the West have discussed imposing sanctions on Russia, particularly its energy sector, in the event of an invasion of Ukraine. Despite Russia's repeated denials of invasion plans, it has amassed an estimated 150,000 troops near the border.

This week, both Russian and Ukrainian sources made multiple claims of shelling across cease-fire lines. On Saturday, Russia conducted a "planned exercise" by launching ballistic and cruise missiles, demonstrating its nuclear readiness.

Earlier Saturday, Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, stated that energy sanctions against Gazprom, the Russian gas giant, could be implemented if an invasion occurred.

The financial consequences of imposing sanctions on Russia could be substantial for Ukraine, given that several of its gas pipelines pass through the country. Scholz assured that the issue is being addressed.

He stated that we are putting in a lot of effort to ensure that gas transportation through Ukraine has a promising future.

We have been diligently working to establish favorable gas transit agreements with Russia for Ukraine, ensuring that all pipelines, including the Ukrainian one, function smoothly. However, our current focus is on promoting peace.

Energy alternatives

Both the EU's von der Leyen and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, like Scholz, have discussed the need to reduce energy reliance on Russia.

Stoltenberg stated that Europe had been striving to decrease its reliance on Russian energy, emphasizing the need for less dependence on a single energy source.

"We are able to make it through this winter without Russian gas," von der Leyen emphasized, highlighting the EU's success in finding alternative sources of energy.