Russia's Gazprom Halts Gas Supplies to Austria

Austria's Chancellor Karl Nehammer assured citizens of a secure alternative fuel supply as Russia's Gazprom plans to halt gas deliveries to Austria, following a payment dispute linked to an arbitration award. Despite the cutoff, Austria, which heavily relies on Russian gas, is working to diversify its energy sources. The move is part of broader tensions over Europe's support for Ukraine, with Russia previously cutting gas supplies over payment disputes. Meanwhile, Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz has resumed direct communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin.