Russian gas sales to Europe “complicated”, says Kremlin after discussions between Putin and Fico

The situation with European countries buying Russian gas is very complicated and requires increased attention, the Kremlin said on Monday after the previous day's talks between President Vladimir Putin and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said he could not provide more details about the talks, which also covered bilateral relations and the war in Ukraine.

Mr. Fico said on Sunday that Mr. Putin had confirmed Russia's willingness to continue supplying gas to Slovakia, even though the Slovak leader said this was “practically impossible” once the transit deal for the gas between Russia and Ukraine will expire at the end of the year.

It is unclear what potential solution the two leaders may have discussed.

Ukraine refused to renew the gas transit agreement. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said last week that might be possible, but on the condition that Russia is not paid for the gas until the end of the war.

“You have heard the statement of the Ukrainian side and you know the position of European countries that continue to purchase Russian gas and consider it necessary for the normal functioning of their economies,” Peskov told reporters. .

“Therefore, the situation is now very complicated and requires increased attention.

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