European nations should immediately cut natural gas use by 15% or face cold homes and struggling economies this winter, the European Commission recommended Wednesday.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that Russia is using gas as a weapon in its war with Ukraine and said the cutback was an "aspirational," voluntary goal that could become mandatory if gas supplies become too tight.
Russia, which has supplied about 40% of Europe's natural gas in recent years, already has been cutting back and Von der Leyen said thus far European nations have been making up for the shortfall with gas from other countries.
Energy commissioners from the EU nations meet Tuesday, and support from the EU's 27 national governments will be needed for any conservation plan.
"Putin is trying to push us around this winter," von der Leyen said at a news conference in Brussels. "He will dramatically fail if we stick together."
Other developments:
►The Biden administration is expected to announce more military aid for Ukraine later this week, said John Kirby, the White House’s National Security Council coordinator.
►Ukrainian missiles struck and seriously damaged a key supply bridge for Russian troops in southern Ukraine, said the Moscow-backed administration for Russia-controlled southern Kherson. The bridge remained open for traffic.
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Ukraine first lady Olena Zelenska to speak before Congress
Ukraine first lady Olena Zelenska is scheduled to deliver remarks to Congress on Wednesday, a day after visiting with President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden in the White House.
"First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska embodies the same tenacity and resilience as the country she hails from," the president tweeted after their meeting.
Zelenska, in Washington to lobby for more military support from the West, met with Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday. State Department spokesperson Ned Price said Blinken emphasized the U.S. commitment to the Ukrainian war effort and rebuilding of the battered nation when the hostilities cease.
White House: Russia following 'annexation playbook' used in Crimea
The White House, citing U.S. intelligence, formally acknowledged what Ukraine has been warning for months: Russia is “laying the groundwork” to annex sovereign Ukrainian territory by installing proxy officials and forcing citizens to apply for Russian citizenship as fighting builds in southern and eastern Ukraine.
John Kirby, the White House’s National Security Council coordinator, said Russia was turning to an “annexation playbook” that mirrors its 2014 annexation of the Crimean Peninsula.