The Kremlin regime has expressed its "readiness" on Saturday to discuss Russian gas deliveries with the European Union, according to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandr Novak.
This comes without any such intention or suggestion from the Europeans, as reported by Russian news agencies and carried by Reuters.
The five-year agreement with Ukraine regarding the transit of natural gas from Russia to Europe is set to expire at the end of 2024.
Despite the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the agreement has continued, with the Russians paying Ukrainians for the use of their pipeline network.
This week, the Ukrainian government reportedly stated that it would not seek to negotiate an extension of the agreement with the Russians.
Novak, quoted by RIA, stated,
"If the other side wishes, we are ready to discuss. So far, we have not noticed such a desire."
On Friday, a European official declined to speculate on the continuation of the agreement but added that the EU is evaluating all scenarios to be prepared for any eventuality.
The war in Ukraine has prompted the European Union to make efforts to replace Russian gas with alternative resources and green energy.
The Russian concern Gazprom, which holds a monopoly in Russia's gas sector, continues to export significantly reduced quantities of gas through Ukrainian pipelines.
