MOSCOW
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday it would not be possible for Europe, which is trying to cut its reliance on Russian energy, to completely stop buying Russian gas.
Putin also said that the transit via Ukraine is the most dangerous element in Europe’s gas supply system, and that he was hopeful a deal could be reached with Ukraine on gas supplies.
Russia meets around 30 percent of Europe’s natural gas needs. Moscow’s actions in Ukraine have spurred attempts by the continent to reduce its dependency on oil and gas supplies from the former Cold War foe.
“Of course, everyone is taking care about supply diversification. There, in Europe, they talk about increasing independence from the Russian supplier,” said Putin.
“It’s just like we begin to talk and take action towards independence from our consumers,” he added.
