On Friday, President Vladimir Putin disputed Russia`s responsibility for Europe`s energy crisis, stating that if the EU lacked sufficient gas, it could relax sanctions impeding the opening of the Nord Stream 2 project.
Russian President Vladimir Putin assured reporters that his country would meet its energy commitments after blaming the energy problem on what he termed "the green agenda" during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization conference in Uzbekistan.
"If you have a desire, if it`s that hard for you, then eliminate the sanctions on Nord Stream 2 and everything will commence," Putin added.
The opening of Nord Stream 2 will open the door of opportunities for the European territory in regard to gas.
Nord Stream 2, which runs parallel to Nord Stream 1, was constructed a year ago, but Germany scrapped it days before Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24.
Due to a drop in Russian supply, European gas prices have quadrupled since the year`s start. This year`s price hike has strained struggling customers and halted output in several businesses.
Europe accuses Russia of weaponizing energy supplies in revenge for Ukraine sanctions. Russia claims sanctions have affected Nord Stream 1 operations.
Russia shut off the gas supply to Bulgaria and Poland because they were unwilling to pay in roubles, Europe further accused.
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