Putin vows to continue transiting gas via Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed Friday to continue transiting gas via Ukraine amid European concerns that the country would be left out when Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline is completed to Germany.

He made the comments after meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who was in Moscow for talks on a variety of subjects.

"I assured the Federal Chancellor that we would wholly fulfill all of our obligations in the transit contract, even after she leaves her post as Federal Chancellor," Putin said.

In her remarks, the German leader emphasised her desire to see Russia extend its transit contract to pump its gas via Ukraine after the current deal expires in 2024.

Putin said that Russia stands ready to negotiate its extension, but noted that specific details, such as transit volumes and the terms of the new contract would depend on market demand for the Russian gas in Europe.

He went on to say that "there is no more dependable energy source for German and European consumers than Russian gas."

The nearly finished Nord Stream 2 pipeline project has angered the United States and some European countries, but the U.S. and Germany announced a deal last month to allow its completion.

Putin, who said that just 15 kilometers (about 9 miles) need to be finished, emphasised that the new pipeline offers a much cheaper and safer transit route for Russian gas supplies to Germany and other EU nations.

Merkel's visit to Moscow could be one of her last trips abroad as chancellor since she is not running in Germany's national election next month.

It's not clear when she will step down since the outgoing government remains in place until a new one is formed.

When asked to evaluate the German-Russian relationship over the 15 years that Merkel has been in power, Putin had said they have "substantially changed for the better."

"I hope that after the (Bundestag) elections and the change in government, this trend will continue," he added.

Meanwhile, Putin said it was not in Russia's interest to dwell on the fall of Afghanistan "as some sort of failure" of the United States.

IMAGE: AP