Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Europe has entered an irreversible path in the economy and said, “They constantly said that Russia does not give (energy resources), that it restricts them. We do not restrict anything, we give everything. The most reliable partner has been the Turks. Here, shipments are being made through TurkStream.”
In an interview with the Russian state channel Rossiya-1, Putin made evaluations on developments in the energy sector.
Speaking about his interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, Putin said, “It is important for us and the viewers abroad to understand how sensitive and important everything that is happening in Ukraine is for our country, for our way of thinking, for our state. For them it is a development of their tactical position, for us it is a matter of fate, a matter of life and death.”
Transformation of Europe and Russia’s energy sector
Evaluating the developments in the field of energy, Putin said that Western countries aimed to cause permanent damage to the Russian economy by stopping buying Russian gas.
However, explaining that the process is developing on the contrary, Putin said, “They are the ones who have started the irreversible process. The manufacturing industry (in Europe) is shifting to other countries, including the US, 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 re-gasify it. All this creates additional costs.”
Putin stated that the current policy of the German government has caused enormous damage to the future of their economy.
Pointing out that accusations were made against Russia for restricting energy deliveries, Putin said, “They constantly said that Russia does not give (energy resources), that it restricts them. We do not restrict anything, we give everything. The most reliable partner has been the Turks. Here, deliveries are being made through TurkStream.”
Pointing out that Europe should decide whether or not to buy Russian gas, Putin said, “If they need it, they will buy it, otherwise we will manage without them.”
Stating that Russia now prefers different routes for natural gas exports instead of Europe, Putin said, “We are working harder to use these energy resources to solve domestic problems, not only in the housing and utilities 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.”
