Referring to Moscow’s gas-based policy, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has said Russian President “Vladimir Putin proved that Russia’s resource war is an extension of its policy,” adding that Russia “intends to use resources in order to force some countries into specific behaviours.”

“In this case, he was all about gas payments in the rouble. We [Poland] have not given in to this blackmail and we will not pay in roubles,” Mr Morawiecki said in an interview published by Gazeta Polska on Wednesday.

Mr Morawiecki shared his doubts that other EU member states would follow Poland’s example. He stressed that Poland boasted the highest standards in maintaining sanctions.

“This is why the deliveries of the Russian gas have been suspended. Still, I wish to reassure all of my compatriots. We have initiated a preventive policy against this type of threat long ago,” the PM said.

This policy includes, among other plans, the soon-to-be-opened Baltic Pipe. “The construction of new interconnectors… is nearing completion. We redeveloped and continue to redevelop the gas terminals in Świnoujście. This means that despite the [Russian] blackmail, we will not suffer gas shortages,” he stressed.

“To ensure the stability of Polish households’ budgets, we plan on prolonging the life of regulated tariffs until 2027,” the PM said, adding that this would apply also to public institutions such as hospitals, schools and others.

PM Morawiecki said that Poland would propose a new mechanism designed to equalise competitive conditions between the first countries to break themselves free from the Russian gas and oil, and those which would continue to acquire it.