Moscow: Russia said on Tuesday that its gas supplies to Europe are considered a "commercial matter," affirming its interest in continuing these supplies, which it described as a "vital artery" for both sides. Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told the Russian News Agency (RIA Novosti) that Hungary "seems to have received assurances" from the EU regarding the resumption of negotiations on the transfer of Russian gas to Europe, confirming that Moscow "is closely monitoring the situation." Peskov also described the EU's sanctions against Russia as "illegal," considering that they harm European economies more than they put pressure on Moscow.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Peskov said that the Kremlin does not have information regarding reports about the detention of a ship with a Russian crew off the coast of Portugal, indicating that the situation is being monitored through diplomatic channels. Observers believe that Peskov's statements come amid escalating tensions between Russia and the West, with ongoing European sanctions on one hand, and Moscow's efforts to maintain its commercial relations with European countries on the other.
These statements come after the decision by the EU foreign ministers on Monday to extend the sanctions imposed on Russia due to the Ukrainian war for an additional six months, ending on July 31, following Hungary's approval of this decision, which it had previously refused to endorse. Hungary, which is viewed in Europe as being close to Russia, had previously blocked the issuance of this decision, demanding guarantees regarding the reopening of a gas pipeline from Russia to Central Europe through Ukraine.