Putin: Gazprom Sets New Export Records; Europeans Not Buying Expensive US Shale Gas!


Алексей Никольский/пресс-служба президента РФ/ТАСС

- Our "partners" are becoming more selfish. America wants to stop the construction of Nord Stream 2 but there are serious obstacles. They need to force Europe, which doesn't want to substitute the reliable Russian gas with expensive but American-produced gas. They don't want to do it so much that they're purchasing our gas in record amounts.

- Life makes Europe increase its purchases of Russian gas. It appears that the demand will only grow in the near future. That's why arrogant American pressure annoys many European politicians more and more.

 

Alexey Miller, Gazprom CEO: "We set another record in gas exports..."

Germany alone increased its purchases of Russian gas by 10%. They supplied almost two trillion cubic feet of gas to Germany.

Alexey Miller: "This exceeds the capacity of Nord Stream alone".

It means that Nord Stream 2 is necessary. The closer the construction comes to completion, the more nervous Washington gets.

Mike Pompeo, U.S. Secretary of State: "Germany gives its money to Russians while others are defending Germany. We call upon them to not complete the gas pipeline. We call upon them to diversify the supplies of fuel".

Their arguments are simple. Expensive American gas is much better than Russian gas only because it's American. If anyone in Europe doesn't agree, then they'll impose sanctions. The German politicians already say that they'll consider it to be an act of aggression.

"Sanctions against the gas pipeline will mean confrontation not only with Germany but also Europe. We'll do everything necessary to complete the pipeline."

The head of the Austrian MFA, who came to Moscow for a visit and appeared before the cameras wearing a Pavlovo Posad shawl, had difficulty in choosing words to voice their attitude toward the arrogant American threats to Europe.

Karin Kneissl, Foreign Minister of Austria: "In terms of international law, this issue... this issue causes more issues".

Sergey Lavrov, Foreign Minister of Russia: "The manner of dictating everything to everyone won't lead to anything good. We already warned our American colleagues that although they would benefit from it, in strategic terms they would undermine trust to the international system based on the US dollar in the long run".

In any case, the construction of Nord Stream 2 is being carried out according to schedule. Putin asked Miller about the expansion of gas infrastructure in Russia in a very detailed manner. This figure is now 69%.

Vladimir Putin: How much will you manage to increase that share this year?

Alexey Miller: By 1%, Mr. Putin.

- I request that you prepare proposals by Gazprom to expedite the country's gas infrastructure expansion so that we could synchronize this work with the administration and Russian regions.

- Sure thing, Mr. Putin.

The difficulty is that they now have to develop gas infrastructure in more and more remote areas. But they're to be connected to the common system in the coming years.

- That's interesting. Pavel, in addition to Nord Stream 2, there's TurkStream. But Pompeo isn't calming down, he's trying to put pressure on the countries whose territories the pipeline will go through. For example, is Hungary firmly standing on its position. Serbia supports Russia, as always. Special thanks to the Serbian people and Serbian president. Bulgaria…

- Has doubts again?

- Bulgaria always has some doubts. But I'm sure it'll manage to overcome its internal hesitation.