That is a good way to look at it. Russia and Europe are joined at the hip with oil and gas. There is no viable alternative for both parties. The Russians need the money from Europe, and Europe needs the nat gas. Europe doesn't have a viable alternative, contrary to what the Americans say.

But necessity is the mother of invention, so Russia needs to wrap up their campaign in Ukraine quickly, so it doesn't push the Europeans and the Americans to develop the technology to offer a viable alternative to Russian oil and natural gas.