The equipment can function effectively only in the process of uninterrupted gas supplies to Europe. In a situation where such supplies are completely stopped, technical problems will arise. Pipes will begin to rust and will have to be replaced.
At the same time, in the context of sanctions and currency restrictions, there are no resources for the implementation of such investment projects.
Equipment conservation is always a financially costly undertaking. Significant additional costs arise in the event of shutdown and conservation of the gas distribution system.
At the same time, it should be noted that Russia currently does not profit from gas trading. Russia profits solely from the sale of crude oil.
1. The gas distribution system that you are talking about now does not have significant critical restrictions when gas pumping is stopped. "Freezing" of a segment or even a significant part of such a system will not lead to irreversible processes.
2. Another thing is the transport/transit system pumping gas from wells to the GDS system from the first point. Leaving her without pumping is a completely different story. For example, you can pause pumping. And even within 2-3 weeks, no problems will arise. But in 6-12 months - it will arise! Moreover, these will be global problems for the entire industry. Let's move on to point 3.
3. Stopping gas production, yes, yes, this is exactly what will happen during a long stop of pumping through transport channels. The first reason is that Russia does not have a mega storage for gas, they have always used Ukrainian storage for the most part. The second reason is gas production technology. You can't just pick up and press the "pause" button. With a long idle time, the gas must either be burned or the well must be "frozen". It's stupid to burn gas, of course the Russians can. But given the prospects for sanctions, it will be necessary to burn until the reserves are depleted. Freezing - allows you to save stocks. But there is a problem - reactivation requires technologies and equipment that the "great oil and gas power" does NOT have! And because of the sanctions will not ...
Then think for yourself