Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Moscow is open to continuing gas supplies to Europe through various routes, despite existing challenges.
In an interview with Pavel Zarubin, a reporter for the VGTRK network, Putin emphasized Russia’s readiness to maintain its energy links with European consumers.
“There are several routes along which Russian gas can be supplied to European consumers. And we are not giving up on these supplies,” Putin said, underscoring the country’s willingness to remain a key energy supplier for the continent.
One of the primary routes for delivering Russian gas to Europe is the Yamal-Europe pipeline, which runs through Poland. However, this pipeline has been closed off by the Polish government, a decision that Putin suggested was a unilateral move by Warsaw.
“The current route, which is Yamal-Europe through Poland, the Poles closed this route, it was their decision,” he explained.
Another potential route discussed by the Russian president is through the Nord Stream pipelines beneath the Baltic Sea. Following an act of sabotage in 2022, the Nord Stream 1 pipeline was heavily damaged, along with one of the two threads of Nord Stream 2.
However, the remaining thread of Nord Stream 2 is still operational, and according to Putin, could be utilized if the German government consents to reopening the pipeline.
“One thread [of Nord Stream 2] survived, and it is in working order,” Putin noted, adding that Russia is “ready to supply via this route as well.”
He highlighted that the decision to activate this option lies solely with Berlin, putting the onus on the German authorities to determine whether this pipeline can once again become a viable channel for gas exports.
In addition to the Nord Stream and Yamal-Europe pipelines, Putin also acknowledged the possibility of continuing gas deliveries through Ukraine.
Despite strained relations and ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, transit through Ukrainian territory remains an option that Moscow is not willing to rule out.
The Russian leader’s remarks come amid ongoing geopolitical tensions over energy supplies to Europe.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, European countries have sought to reduce their dependence on Russian energy imports, opting to diversify their sources and increase LNG shipments from other nations. In response, Russia has also redirected some of its energy supplies towards Asian markets.
Nevertheless, Europe continues to face energy security concerns, particularly as winter approaches. Gas prices have experienced volatility due to supply disruptions, concerns about storage capacity, and fluctuating demand.
The potential reopening of existing pipelines, even if only partially, could provide some relief, albeit amidst ongoing political disputes.
Putin’s comments signal Russia’s interest in reviving gas exports to Europe, but significant challenges remain.
The fate of routes like Nord Stream 2 hinges on diplomatic negotiations and decisions by European governments, while the Yamal-Europe and Ukraine transit options face logistical and political barriers.
As the energy landscape in Europe continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how these proposed routes may influence future gas supplies and market stability.