Putin said that Russia has always been in favor of gas supplies to Europe

Russia has always advocated gas supplies to Europe and depoliticization of the economy. Russian President Vladimir Putin told reporters after a meeting of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) on December 26.

"Regarding agreements in the energy sector: we have always advocated supplies, we have always advocated depoliticization of economic issues. We have never refused supplies to Europe," he told reporters.

Putin recalled that Moscow is ready to supply gas through Poland, which has closed the existing route of the Yamal-Europe gas pipeline and could resume its operation at the push of a button.

The Russian side is also ready to supply gas through Ukraine under a contract with any counterparty, but at the moment it is impossible under the conditions of a lawsuit from Kiev, the Russian president pointed out. At the same time, Putin noted that it would not be possible to conclude a new transit agreement in a few days before the New Year.

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With whom Chisinau will have to negotiate now

On the eve, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said that Russia is ready to continue gas supplies to Europe via several routes, not only by transit through Ukraine. He noted that the situation with gas reserves in European countries remains tense, and the situation may become even more complicated.

Earlier, on December 22, Putin and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fitzo held talks in Moscow. The Slovak politician said that his visit to Russia was a reaction to the statement of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whose powers expired on May 20, about the termination of gas transit through Ukrainian territory. During the talks, Putin said Russia was ready to directly supply gas to Slovakia after January 1, 2025.

On December 31, the transit contract for pumping gas from Russia through Ukraine expires. The Russian leadership has repeatedly pointed out that the country did not give up transit supplies to Europe, but in order to prolong them, European countries have to negotiate with Kiev.