In response to the rising energy prices in Europe, partly attributed to Russia’s decision to halt supplies to the continent, Russian President Vladimir Putin has once again offered to resume gas supplies to Germany via the Nord Stream 2 pipeline.
President Putin expressed Russia’s readiness to deliver 27 billion cubic meters of gas annually through this pipeline.
However, he emphasized that the decision ultimately lies with Germany. He made these remarks during a forum in Sochi, Russia, attended by experts from around 40 countries, including Germany, at the Valdai International Discussion Club.
According to Nord Stream AG, 59 billion cubic meters of gas were delivered through Nord Stream 1 in 2021.
President Putin once again condemned the bombings that targeted the Nord Stream pipelines connecting Russia to Germany last year, describing them as “terrorist acts.”
Explosions were recorded near the Danish Island of Bornholm on September 26, 2022. Shortly after, four leaks were discovered in three of the four pipeline lines.
Both Nord Stream 1 and 2 consist of dual underwater pipelines stretching approximately 1,200 kilometers from Russia to Germany.
Nord Stream 1 has been a significant source of gas imports to Europe since 2011.
It’s important to note that neither of these pipelines was actively transporting gas during the attack, amid the energy crisis between the European Union and Russia due to the Ukrainian conflict.
President Putin once again accused the United States of being behind the attacks, stating that Washington seeks to sell its gas in Europe.
More than a year after the bombings, the perpetrators remain unclear.
Simultaneously, President Putin stated that Russian gas continues to flow through Ukraine to Europe on a daily basis.
He added that Ukraine continues to receive payment from Russia for this transit, highlighting that both Russia and Ukraine, despite being adversaries in the ongoing conflict for over 19 months, have benefited from these sales.
The transit contracts between Moscow and Kyiv are set to expire by the end of next year.
