Putin’s Energy Squeeze Tests European Resolve

Air conditioning units on residential building during a heat wave in Seville.Photographer: Marcelo del Pozo/Bloomberg

Europe is tightening its collective belt in the energy confrontation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who’s counting on a winter of economic pain and social distress to weaken the continent’s resolve in opposing his war in Ukraine.

European Union leaders have already earmarked almost $280 billion to ease the crisis but face mounting pressure to do more to curb soaring energy bills.