Russia had a choice: to resume Nord Stream-1 gas supply, weakening the gas blackmail in exchange for preserved financial flows, or keep the pipeline empty, forcing Europe to suffer more but at its own financial losses.

Russia chose the money and resumed Nord Stream-1.

In April-June, the Kremlin consistently blackmailed the EU by cutting gas supplies. Moscow demanded to pay for gas in rubles as an excuse.

Russia cut gas flow through Nord Stream-1 in June, blaming the delayed turbine serviced in Canada. Later, Russia completely cut gas flow due to technical work.

It expected the EU to give up and agree to Russian conditions. However, this did not happen.

Back in March, the European Commission rolled out a plan to slash Russian gas imports by two-thirds before year-end.

When Gazprom shut down gas supplies to Germany via Nord Stream-1, many politicians and experts, including German ones, wondered whether gas flow would resume after the scheduled maintenance.

The EU's responded to Russia with additional plans to reduce gas demand and save it more.

The plan sent a clear signal that the EU was ready to live without Russian gas.

It seems that the EU's determination has dampened Russian enthusiasm. Gas flow was resumed, albeit at a low level.

Gazprom still wants its turbine back, which is already in Germany.

However, the gas war is far from over.

Europe won this battle, but the scenario of a complete Russian gas cut in the upcoming months remains quite real.

The Russian Federation is not going to end the energy war with the EU and is preparing for revenge.

And when "Gazprom" attacks the EU again - no one knows.