Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Europe has entered an irreversible path in the economy and said, “They constantly said that Russia does not provide (energy resources) and restricts them. We do not restrict anything, we give everything. The most reliable partners were the Turks. Here, shipment is made via TurkStream.”
In his interview with Russian state channel Rossiya-1, Putin made evaluations about the developments in the energy sector and the Ukrainian war.
Putin said that Western countries aim to cause permanent damage to the Russian economy by stopping buying Russian gas.
However, explaining that the process has developed on the contrary, Putin said, “They are the ones who are entering the irreversible process. The manufacturing industry (in Europe) is shifting to other countries, including the USA, where more favorable conditions are created and energy resources are cheaper. Because they need to liquefy natural gas, then send it to the ocean, and then turn it into gas again. All this creates additional costs.”
Putin stated that the German government is causing enormous damage to the future of its own economy with its current policy.
Pointing out that there are accusations against Russia that it restricts energy shipments, Putin said, “They always said that Russia does not provide (energy source), it restricts it. We do not restrict anything, we provide everything. The most reliable partners are the Turks. Here, shipments are made via TurkStream.”
Pointing out that Europe should decide whether to buy Russian gas or not, Putin said, “If they need it, they will buy it, otherwise we will handle it without them.”
Putin stated that Russia now prefers different routes for natural gas exports instead of Europe, and said, “We are working more to use these energy resources to solve internal problems not only in the housing and public services system, but also for the Russian economy and industry.”
Explaining that Russia earned more money when it exported more gas to Europe, Putin said, “But on the other hand, the less dependent we are on the energy sector, the better, because the non-energy part of the economy is growing much faster than before.”
“We are open for dialogue” message for Ukraine
Referring to the Russia-Ukraine War, Putin said that the Minsk agreements regarding the Ukrainian issue were not implemented and therefore they launched the “special military operation”.
Putin said, “We switched from peace methods to military methods, but we still tried to end the conflicts peacefully. We reached an agreement on the issues of the peace agreement (with Ukraine) in Istanbul. Arahamia (Ukrainian negotiator) was right. If the West’s attitude, as demonstrated by former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, had been different, the war would have ended 1.5 years ago, but they did not want this. I don’t know if they want it today. We are open to dialogue.”
Speaking about the interview he gave to former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, Putin said, “It is important for us and our viewers abroad to understand how sensitive and important everything that is happening in Ukraine is for our country, our way of thinking, our state. For them, this is an improvement in their tactical position, for us it is a matter of fate, a matter of life and death.”
Source: Trthaber / Prepared by Irem Yildiz