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Vladimir Putin at the Energy Forum: Likes to turn on the gas tap
Photo:
IMAGO/Mikhail Tereshchenko / IMAGO/ITAR-TASS
There are large holes in several strands of the Nord Stream Baltic Sea pipelines.
Nevertheless, Russia could send gas to Europe via a pipe that is still functional - at least that's what Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed during an appearance in Moscow.
"All you have to do is turn on the tap," Putin said at the Russian Energy Week.
A tube of Nord Stream 2 was probably not so damaged that it can no longer be used, he said.
Severe damage was discovered on the two tubes of Nord Stream 1 and one tube of Nord Stream 2 in the Baltic Sea after explosions at the end of September.
According to previous knowledge, at least two detonations had occurred, leading to four leaks.
The EU, NATO and security circles, among others, immediately spoke of sabotage as the cause.
Putin spoke of an international terrorist attack on the pipelines.
"There is no doubt this is an act of international terrorism, a deeply dangerous precedent," he said.
The aim is to finally tear apart relations between the EU and Russia and to weaken Europe.
Putin named the United States, among others, as alleged beneficiaries of the sabotage.
The Kremlin chief had previously blamed the West for the leaks.
Russia had already offered gas supplies via the spared Nord Stream 2 pipe last week.
At the beginning of September, the country stopped gas deliveries via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, citing technical problems that allegedly could not be solved due to the sanctions.
The completed but uncertified and never commissioned Nord Stream 2 pipeline is on hold due to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.
Russia has been pushing for the commissioning for months.
Threat of delivery stop
With a view to the European energy price cap, Putin also threatened to stop supplying energy resources.
"Russia will not go against common sense and pay for the welfare of others," he said.
»We will not supply energy resources to countries that limit their prices.«
In view of Putin's war against Ukraine, which has been going on for more than seven and a half months, the EU formally approved further sanctions against Russia last week, including an oil price cap.
Moscow already responded with threats to divert its own oil exports.
Putin also warned that such a price brake would worsen the investment climate worldwide.
mic/dpa