President Vladimir Putin dismissed suggestions that Russia is using energy as a weapon as “complete nonsense”, as he announced he was ready to provide more gas to Europe if necessary.

During his address at the Russian Energy Week International Forum in Moscow on Wednesday, the Russian leader said that the country was ready to increase its supplies to Europe at a time when other producers were reducing theirs.

He also pointed to the Soviet Union’s continued supply of gas to Europe during the Cold War, when relations were at an all-time low.

He said Russia was ready to increase gas supplies further in line with requests and would also increase gas transit via Ukraine this year.

“If they [Europe] ask us to increase further, we are ready to increase further,” said Mr Putin. “We will increase by as much as our partners ask us. There is no refusal, none.”

He also revealed he has not discussed oil markets with US President Joe Biden, but has working relations with his
counterpart and is hopeful that ties between Moscow and Washington will gradually improve.

Mr Putin added that the volatility on oil markets and surging prices were not in Russia’s interests, but that an oil price of $100 (£74) a barrel was quite possible.

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