[marron]

The cut was ordered to punish neighbouring Ukraine, which Russia accuses of topping up its own gas supply by siphoning off energy meant for European consumers and sent through its pipelines. without paying Russia.

Actually, Ukraine said it would take what it needed from the pipeline if they couldn't come to a price agreement.

The answer is, for everyone involved, "diversify". If you are Russia, you need to find routes to market that don't cross through Ukraine, so that Kiev can't play games with the pipeline. If you're Ukraine, you have to find other sources of gas so that Russia can't play games with your gas supply. Paying full market price is the price of independence.

[Camel Joe]

Say, I’d like to run a pipeline through your yard and then charge you full price for the gas. Never mind that I am willing to pay you nothing for the use of your property... Russia is not asking for “market” price because they know if they turn off the gas they can get more.