Putin proposed that Europe resume purchasing oil and gas from Russia
10 March 05:17
Russia is ready to supply oil and gas to European countries, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin said amid a sharp rise in energy prices since the start of the US and Israeli war against Iran. A necessary condition for the resumption of supplies is stable cooperation, under which Moscow will not be subject to political pressure, Putin said on Monday, March 9, during a meeting of the country’s government, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports, citing Russian propaganda media.
“If European companies, European buyers suddenly decide to reorient themselves and provide us with long-term, stable cooperation, free from political expediency, then please do so,” the Kremlin leader said, commenting on Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and related problems.
Russia needs “resilience and stability”
Russia has never refused to work with Europeans, but it needs “signals” that Europe is “ready and also wants to work and will provide us with this stability and consistency,” Putin added. He also said that he had instructed the government to assess the feasibility of Russian energy supplies to Europe and not to wait until they “ostentatiously close the door.” Russia currently supplies oil to countries in the Asia-Pacific region, Hungary, and Slovakia.
Earlier that day, the price of oil exceeded $100 (about €86) per barrel for the first time in nearly four years. G7 finance ministers agreed to use oil reserves amid rising oil prices. Russian energy supplies to European countries were gradually reduced to a minimum after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine as part of EU sanctions packages.
