World Economic Forum in Davos: George Soros calls for gas boycott against Russia

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As usual combative: George Soros this Tuesday in Davos

Photo: FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP

The controversial multi-billionaire and hedge fund founder George Soros has spoken out in favor of a gas embargo against Russia.

When it comes to gas, Europe is in a stronger position than is generally thought, Soros said in response to a question from SPIEGEL on the fringes of the World Economic Forum.

Russia cannot simply sell this raw material to other countries such as China because of the lack of pipelines;

in addition, the Russian reservoirs are already well filled.

Therefore, Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin has no real alternative to gas sales to Europe, said Soros.

If he is no longer allowed to deliver there, he will soon have to shut down the exploitation of some natural gas fields.

Soros said he sent a letter to Italy's Prime Minister Mario Draghi on Tuesday, arguing for the gas embargo.

“If he [Draghi, i.

Red.] supports the idea, Europe will support it,” said Soros.

The 91-year-old, who was born in Hungary, expressed skepticism about the EU's planned boycott of Russian oil supplies.

Unlike gas, oil is relatively easy to ship on a large scale, Soros said.

Accordingly, it would be easier for Putin to sell this raw material to other buyers, above all to China.