Russian President Vladimir Putin met with former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder during his visit to Moscow and discussed gas supply issues, the president’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told journalists Wednesday.
“Yes, Schroeder was in Moscow recently, and, indeed, he had a face-to-face meeting with President Putin,” Peskov said on a regular conference call with reporters.
“Of course, former Chancellor [Schroeder] … is very concerned about the real state of affairs and about the energy crisis that is flaring up in Europe and far from prospects in this area. Of course, he asked Putin to explain the situation and explain the vision of the Russian side,” Peskov added.
According to Peskov, Russia continues to pay Ukraine for gas transit despite the hostilities in the region.
“We continue to pay Ukrainians for transit through the only working branch. Aggressor or not, but the money is being accepted and the payment is going through,” Peskov said.
Peskov said Putin told Schroeder that Nord Stream 2 is ready for operation and said that gas supplies to Europe decreased due to sanctions.
“The situation with the turbines is, one [turbine] was removed and sent to Canada for repair works. It is now in Germany but some documents are missing. President [Putin] explained [to Schroeder] what papers those are,” Peskov said, adding that the German side requested confirmation from Gazprom that the turbine is not under sanctions. “So far, these documents are not there, as far as we know.”
Another turbine is awaiting repair work from a British subsidiary of the repair company, he said.
“Putin explained that this extremely tense and absurd situation was generated by the very restrictions and sanctions imposed by the Europeans and the British,” Peskov said.
According to Peskov, it was Schroeder who raised the question of using Nord Stream 2 should the situation require it.
“Former Chancellor [Schroeder] asked if, hypothetically speaking, Nord Stream 2 could be used in a crisis situation. … Putin was not the initiator, he did not offer this,” Peskov said. Putin said that it is “technologically possible” as the project is ready for immediate use, Peskov added.