Putin and Fico Discuss "Complicated" Russian Gas Sales to Europe
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Following a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico on Friday, the Kremlin described the situation surrounding European purchases of Russian natural gas as "very complicated," reports Reuters. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, while declining to elaborate on the details of the talks, emphasized the need for increased attention to the issue.
Fico, speaking on Sunday, stated that Putin had affirmed Russia's commitment to supplying Slovakia with gas, despite the impending expiration of a key gas transit agreement between Russia and Ukraine at the end of the year. The Slovak leader had previously deemed continued gas supply "practically impossible" without a renewed transit deal.
The two leaders' potential solutions remain unclear. Ukraine has indicated unwillingness to extend the gas transit agreement, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggesting a potential for renewal only if payment to Russia is withheld until the war's conclusion.
"You heard the statement from the Ukrainian side, and you know about the positions of those European countries that continue to buy Russian gas and that consider this necessary for the normal operation of their economies," Peskov told reporters.
The Kremlin's characterization of the situation as "very complicated" underscores the multifaceted challenges surrounding European energy security and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.