S. Ivanov: Russia does not Use Energy as a Weapon

Russian Defense Minister Sergey Ivanov said he would “categorically reject” accusations that “Russia uses energy as a weapon,” RIA Novosti reports.

Ivanov made this announcement upon arriving in Munich, where he will take part in a high-profile security conference. Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, who is also attending the event, made it clear that his speech would concentrate on energy security and the threat Russia poses in this regard.

Georgia and Russia exchanged diplomatic barbs after coordinated explosions on gas pipelines and the major electricity transmission line in Russia on January 22 left Georgia in an acute energy crisis for a week.