Puitn rules through terror and it is the only way he knows to act toward others.
He desperarely needs to throw the Euros into economic anxiety.
Even though no gas was flowing through Nord Stream... when winter hits there will be Euros who will complain about opposing Putin.
Fortunately, the Euros are united and will find ways to survive until alternative sources of gas are deliverable.
Puitn's real fears shouid be about his own people.