MOSCOW

Russian energy company Gazprom announced Thursday that it will no longer use the Polish section of the Yamal-Europe natural gas pipeline, which carries Russian gas to Europe.

Gazprom's representative, Sergey Kupriyanov, recalled in his written statement that the Russian government had decided to impose sanctions on various foreign companies, including the Polish company EuRoPol GAZ.

Kupriyanov explained as sanctions apply to EuRoPol GAZ, which is the owner of the Polish section of the Yamal-Europe pipeline carrying Russian gas to Europe, Russian gas will no longer be shipped through the line.

Kupriyanov said Poland, as a shareholder of EuRoPol GAZ, had violated Gazprom's rights many times and also imposed sanctions on the Russian energy giant.

The Yamal-Europe pipeline is one of the most important lines for the transit of Russian gas to Europe, along with the Nord Stream pipeline and pipelines in Ukraine.

The Yamal-Europe gas pipeline, which is owned and operated by Gazprom on the Russian side, and EuRoPol GAZ on the Polish side, has an annual capacity of 33 billion cubic meters.

*Writing by Murat Temizer