[temp-dude-87844]

If you subscribe to the point of view that Russia's war on Ukraine isn't actually about Ukraine, but about causing lasting pain in Europe, then this action is perfectly rational for Russia.

It drives the market prices up (anything that spooks market participants will), and creates an ongoing situation that adds pressure on governments to act.

[vintermann]

Except that the way Russia wants them to act - "give us concessions and buy our gas" is equally closed off by it.