Russia is ready to supply oil and natural gas to European countries if the cooperation is long-term and not subject to political pressure. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced this in a televised speech on Monday. He added that Moscow will continue to supply “reliable” partners in Asia, including Hungary and Slovakia. TASR informs about it according to the reports of AFP and TASS agencies.
“If European companies and European customers decide to reorient themselves and provide us with long-term, sustainable cooperation without political pressure, then go for it. We have never refused.” Putin said. According to him, Moscow expects a clear signal from European countries that they are “ready and willing to work with us and ensure sustainability and stability” of this cooperation.
Oil prices jumped sharply above 100 dollars (86.5 euros) per barrel (159 liters) last week, for the first time since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Natural gas prices in Europe roughly doubled. The reason is the American-Israeli conflict with Iran in the Middle East. According to Putin, Russia has repeatedly warned that attempts to destabilize the situation in this region will lead to an increase in energy prices.
Just a few hours before Putin’s announcement, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán called on the European Union, to reconsider sanctions against Russian oil and gas. Orbán argued that lifting or suspending the restrictions could ease a spike in energy prices caused by tensions in the Middle East. Hungary is among the countries most dependent on supplies of Russian raw materials.
