They wouldn't give up the income from gas. Your theory doesn't make sense. They would either raise prices, close pipeline or invent some other excuse. Note that Russia is still merrily selling gas to Europe.

They could have done all that by shutting the valves on their end. Or 'discovering' a crack that needs an, uh, six month-long maintanence. The closing of the pipe may be a good thing, but it's pretty clear who did it.

Oh, i see. Thanks.

But those sweet, sweet gas money!