"Europe's Insufficient Gas Supply is Not Our Problem. We Haven't Closed the Pipelines," Says Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Ukraine has not refused to consume Russian gas and continues to receive it "one way or another." He noted that despite the political situation, Gazprom continues to fully meet its obligations to European countries.

"Ukraine is actually consuming Russian gas; the gas transportation network is designed in such a way that as soon as it enters the country's territory, it is consumed and distributed," Putin said during a press conference in response to a question.

He emphasized that "Russia never does anything for political motives" and does not intend to do so regarding gas supply.

Speaking about the export of Russian gas, Putin stated that relations with all consumers of the fuel, including European countries, continue to develop. "The fact that Europe is not receiving sufficient gas is not our problem. We have not closed the pipelines; we did not blow up the Nord Streams. The Nord Streams were most likely sabotaged by the Americans," he added.