Putin says Russia can supply oil, gas to Europe as energy prices soar

"If European companies and European buyers suddenly decide to reorient themselves and provide us with long-term, sustainable cooperation, free from political pressures, free from political pressures, then yes, we've never refused it. We're ready to work with Europeans too, said Putin at a meeting with government officials and heads of Russia's top oil and gas producers."

"The Russian president spoke as oil prices exceeded $100 per barrel on Monday, reaching peaks unseen since he launched his country's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Brent crude, the international benchmark, rose by more than 30 percent on Sunday, at one point topping $119 a barrel, as fears grew of prolonged disruptions."

"European countries, however, have spent the past four years sharply reducing their reliance on Russian oil and gas in response to Moscow's war in Ukraine and subsequent European Union and Group of Seven sanctions. The EU banned maritime imports of Russian crude in 2022, while Russia's pipeline exports to Hungary and Slovakia have been effectively halted since January."

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated Russia is prepared to supply oil and gas to European customers under conditions of long-term cooperation free from political pressures. This offer comes as oil prices surged past $100 per barrel due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz caused by US-Israeli military actions against Iran. European nations have significantly reduced Russian energy dependence over four years through sanctions and import bans following Russia's Ukraine invasion. The EU banned maritime crude imports in 2022, while pipeline exports to Hungary and Slovakia halted in January due to pipeline damage. Putin urged Russian companies to capitalize on Middle East conflicts and global energy supply disruptions.

Read at www.aljazeera.com