Edvard Lucas: Nobody Likes Losers; Putin Faces Reality
Russia's poor performance in the war is becoming evident, prompting other countries, including China, to adjust their stance. Beijing has refused to supply ship engines and is demanding a much lower gas price.
Russia's weakening international position is reflected in its relations with several countries. China has recently refused to supply Russia with ship engines needed for Arctic navigation via the Northern Sea Route. Furthermore, the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline project has effectively stalled, as China insists on paying $50 per 1,000 cubic meters of gas – only one-fifth of Russia's initial offer.
Russia's remaining pipeline gas exports to the European Union will also end next year, while Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries have forced the country to import refined oil products from China, further strengthening Beijing's leverage.
Other states are also capitalizing on Russia's weakness. Kazakhstan recently banned most imports of Russian wheat. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev publicly expressed support for Ukraine, and Armenia, despite Russia's foot-dragging, continues work on restoring railway connections with Turkey and Azerbaijan.
