MOSCOW (Realist English). Russian President Vladimir Putin said Europe’s energy crisis is the result of years of flawed policy decisions and suggested Russia may reconsider its gas exports to the continent as global markets shift.
Speaking to journalist Pavel Zarubin after talks in the Kremlin with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, Putin said Russia has always been a reliable supplier of energy resources and intends to maintain cooperation with partners that continue to honor long-term agreements.
“Russia has always been and remains a reliable supplier of energy resources for all our partners, including European ones,” Putin said, noting that Moscow continues to deliver oil and gas to countries such as Hungary and Slovakia.
Putin argued that the current surge in energy prices is largely driven by Europe’s own policy choices, including what he described as excessive reliance on the “green agenda” and politically motivated restrictions on energy markets.
The Russian president pointed out that European gas prices have climbed sharply despite the fact that major suppliers — including Algeria, the United States, Norway and Russia — have not significantly reduced deliveries.
According to Putin, the rise in prices reflects broader global market conditions, particularly competition from buyers willing to pay higher premiums for energy supplies amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and disruptions to maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
“When higher-paying buyers appear on the market, suppliers will naturally move their resources there,” Putin said, describing the shift as a purely economic decision rather than a political one.
He also noted that the European Union is preparing additional restrictions on Russian liquefied natural gas, with new limitations expected to take effect in April and further measures planned by 2027.
Putin said Russia may consider redirecting supplies to other regions where demand is growing.
“If these markets are going to close for us in a month or two, perhaps it makes sense for us to leave earlier and strengthen our presence in other markets,” he said, adding that the idea remains under discussion and that the government will analyze the issue together with energy companies.
Putin also commented on reports that a Russian LNG tanker had been attacked in the Mediterranean Sea, describing the incident as a “terrorist act.” He said such actions further destabilize global energy markets and warned that attacks on energy infrastructure could worsen the situation for European consumers.
The Russian leader additionally claimed that Ukraine, with support from Western intelligence services, may be preparing potential sabotage attempts against major gas pipelines including Blue Stream and TurkStream. Moscow has informed Turkey about the alleged threat, he said.
The remarks come as global energy markets face heightened volatility amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and growing uncertainty over future supply routes.
