“European countries plan to impose restrictions on the import of Russian gas, including liquefied gas, starting next month, and to completely ban its purchase by 2027. During this time, new markets are opening up. Perhaps it is worth stopping supplies to Europe now and transitioning to these new markets?” he remarked.
At the same time, Putin emphasized that his words do not have a political undertone.
“If we are going to be cut off from markets in a month or two anyway, wouldn’t it be better for us to stop supplies ourselves and establish cooperation with reliable partners?” he added.
“These are just thoughts for now, but I will instruct the government to discuss this issue with our companies,” concluded the Russian leader.
It was previously reported that EU countries reached an agreement to abandon Russian gas by 2027, against which Hungary and Slovakia voted, as they receive gas through the "Turkish Stream."
According to data from the European gas transport group Entsog, exports of Russian pipeline gas to Europe decreased by 44% in 2025, amounting to 18 billion cubic meters.
At the same time, the price of gas in European markets reached $700 per thousand cubic meters, marking the first such value since January 2023. This was caused by events in Iran, particularly the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
It is worth noting that following Iran's retaliatory actions, Qatar suspended production of liquefied natural gas at its largest plant. Earlier, QatarEnergy announced the cessation of LNG production after attacks on industrial facilities in Ras Laffan and Mesaieed. QatarEnergy is the world's largest producer of LNG, accounting for about 20% of the global volume.
