Finance

Russian gas sales to Europe are 'complicated', Kremlin says after Putin-Fico talks

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on December 23, 2024

2 min read

· Last updated: January 27, 2026

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MOSCOW (Reuters) - The situation with European countries that buy Russian gas is very complicated and requires increased attention, the Kremlin said on Monday after talks the previous day between

Kremlin Highlights Complexities in Russian Gas Sales to Europe

MOSCOW (Reuters) - The situation with European countries that buy Russian gas is very complicated and requires increased attention, the Kremlin said on Monday after talks the previous day between President Vladimir Putin and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said he could not provide more details about the talks, which also touched on bilateral relations and the Ukraine war.

Fico said on Sunday that Putin had confirmed Russian willingness to continue to supply gas to Slovakia, even though the Slovak leader said this was "practically impossible" once a gas transit agreement between Russia and Ukraine expires at the end of the year.

It was not clear what potential solution the two leaders might have discussed.

Ukraine has declined to renew the gas transit deal. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said last week this might be possible, but only on condition that Russia was not paid for the gas until after the war was over.

"You heard the statement from the Ukrainian side, and you know about the positions of those European countries that continue to buy Russian gas and that consider this necessary for the normal operation of their economies," Peskov told reporters.

"Therefore, there is now a very complicated situation here that requires increased attention."

(Reporting by Gleb Stolyarov, writing by Mark Trevelyan; Editing by Andrew Osborn)

Key Takeaways

  • The Kremlin describes Russian gas sales to Europe as complicated.
  • Putin and Fico discussed gas supply and bilateral relations.
  • Slovakia's gas supply is uncertain post-Ukraine transit deal.
  • Ukraine may renew the gas deal under certain conditions.
  • European countries continue to buy Russian gas amid tensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main topic?
The article discusses the complexities of Russian gas sales to Europe following talks between Putin and Slovakia's Prime Minister Fico.
What did Putin and Fico discuss?
They discussed Russian gas supply to Slovakia and bilateral relations, amid the expiration of the Ukraine gas transit deal.
What is Ukraine's stance on the gas transit deal?
Ukraine may renew the deal if Russia is not paid for gas until after the war ends.

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