Putin has threatened so called unfriendly states to pay in rubles or have its gas supply shut off. It has said it doesn't buy things for free and so isn't going to charitable with its energy.
Europe has kicked against this with Germany saying its being blackmailed by this move. What other choice does Europe has with Russia alone selling about 40% of energy to the world.
To be honest, if European countries don't want to freeze to death then they inevitably have to obey the rules set by Putin. This step actually looks cruel but I see this is the last step from Putin to escape the sanctions imposed on Russia.
Gas is very important and makes life much more confortable during winter season, but isn't it too drastic to say "freeze to death"?
Sorry, I live in a warm country, so I might be saying something wrong on this matter, but since people were able to live in Europe during middle ages without gas, but only wood and coal to keep the fire burning, wouldn't it be possible to do a temporary sacrifice for now until an alternative to Russia appears or is built by the occident?
Any weakness demonstration towards Russia is too dangerous now. The world should be concerned in showing Putin his influence over another nations isn't unlimited and decisive as he might imagine.