BERLIN (Reuters] – Germany’s revised forecast of 2.2% growth for this year doesn’t assume a Russian embargo and blockade, which would lead to recession. Economy Minister Robert Habeck stated on Wednesday.

The ministry of Habeck reduced its 2022 growth projection to 2.2%, from 3.6% in January. This was due to Russia’s invasion and sanctions. It raised the 2022 inflation outlook to 6.1%.

Habeck stated that Germany’s support of Ukraine and its sanctions against Russia led to lower growth forecasts and more inflation.

Ukraine fights for its independence, freedom, democracy and form of government. He said that they also fight for us: for Germany, Europe and the principles of this peace order.

A ministry official stated that Russia’s gas crisis would lead to a drop in growth of Europe’s biggest economy, ranging from 0.5 percent to 5.6 percentage point depending on what scenario is being considered.

Russia’s Gazprom (MCX) stopped gas supply to Poland and Bulgaria Wednesday because they failed to pay in rubles. This was in response to Western sanctions against Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine.

Habeck stated that Germany was taking this matter very seriously, but German companies will continue to pay in euros for Russian gas as long as they respect contracts.

His statement said Germany had reduced its dependence on Russian gaz to only 35%, down from 55% in the past.

When Habeck was asked if Germany might consider purchasing a Schwedt refinery owned by Rosneft (Russian state-owned Rosneft), Habeck replied: “The German government has to adapt and prepare for any scenario… We are planning and thinking politically.