Moscow-Sana
Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed that the problems with gas supply to Europe through the "North Stream-1" pipeline are caused by Western sanctions against Moscow.
In a telephone conversation today with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, as reported by TASS, Putin stressed that "Russia has been and remains a reliable supplier of energy sources and is ready to fulfill all its obligations," noting that the interruptions, for example, in the operation of the "Northern Stream-1" line are due to sanctions. against Russia, which hinders maintenance work.”
During the call, Putin stressed that attempts to blame Europe's energy supply problems on Russia "look ridiculous", given the obstruction of gas supplies by the authorities of Ukraine and Poland, and the refusal to launch Nord Stream-2.
The Russian presidency said in a statement that during the call between Putin and Scholz, views were exchanged on the implementation of the grain deal concluded on July 22 in Istanbul, where Putin noted its comprehensive nature and expressed his concern about the imbalance in Ukraine's grain supplies, with a small part of it going to the countries most needy.
The Kremlin statement indicated that "the Russian side's readiness to supply large quantities of grain to foreign markets, as well as to transport fertilizers blocked in European ports to needy countries free of charge, was confirmed."
During the call, Putin informed Shultz of the lack of progress in lifting the ban on exports of Russian foodstuffs and fertilizers.
On ensuring the safety of the Zaporozhye nuclear plant, during the call, the Russian president revealed in detail the measures taken in coordination with the International Atomic Energy Agency to ensure the protection of the plant, which is under constant missile attacks by Ukraine, which creates real risks of a large-scale catastrophe.