Work

The Weaponization of Energy Resources: Fossil Fuels as Instruments of Geopolitical Leverage in the EU–Russia Context

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This paper examines how energy functions as a strategic instrument of geopolitical coercion, focusing on Russia’s prolonged weaponization of natural gas and the European Union’s evolving response. Building on Soviet-era infrastructure, Moscow has employed price increases, supply cuts, and control of pipelines to pressure states. At the same time, the EU has countered with sanctions, diversification of suppliers, and accelerated investment in renewable energy. For more than fifty years, energy has served as leverage that blurs the boundary between economics and security, imposing heavy economic and political costs on both producers and consumers. Interdependence amplifies these vulnerabilities, allowing energy to operate as a “weapon” on both supply and demand sides. Although the EU plans to end Russian gas imports by 2027, Moscow’s continuing circumvention efforts demonstrate that energy remains a critical tool of power and national security worldwide.

Source: Journal of Liberty and International Affairs Institute for Research and European Studies - Bitola

DOI: 10.47305/jlia.2025.1865

Authors: Nataliia Khoma, Maiia Nikolaieva

Institutions: Lviv Polytechnic National University, Odesa I. I. Mechnikov National University

Language: English

Topic: Global Energy Security and Policy

Subfield: General Energy

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $105