The president of the Russian Federation points the finger at the European Union for the current energy crisis facing the continent. «It is a sum of several factors, including hasty actions, that have led to an imbalance in the European energy markets. Russia – he continues – is a reliable gas supplier for Asia and Europe and fully respects its commitments ».
In meeting with directors of Russian energy companies, Putin added that Russia is increasing gas supplies to Europe, including through Ukraine, in response to the energy crisis and is ready to stabilize the market amid the surge. of prices. Sales of Russian gas in Europe could reach a new record this year, and transit through Ukraine exceeds volumes agreed under Gazprom’s contract with Kiev. “Gazprom – he added – has never refused to increase gas supplies to Europe, if requested”. Instead, it would be “the policy of short-term contracts that proved to be wrong”. Moscow is accused by many of limiting gas supplies in order to put pressure on the West, hastening the launch of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline linking Russia and Germany.
“As we know, the global energy market has no patience for messes and vagueness: investment plans here are of a long-term nature, sudden and reckless actions can lead to serious imbalances,” Putin said. «On the European energy market a series of unfavorable factors have accumulated this year. The practice of our European partners confirmed once again that they made mistakes, all the activities of the previous European Commission were aimed at limiting the so-called long-term contracts and aimed at switching to trading on the gas exchange. It became obvious that this policy was wrong ».