Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Angela Merkel at her initiative, Kremlin reports.
According to the Kremlin, the leaders are satisfied with the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, which is nearing completion. The President of Russia noted Germany’s consistent commitment to implementing this project, which is strictly a commercial venture and is designed to enhance the energy security of Germany and the rest of the EU. Chancellor Merkel told Mr Putin about the discussion on the developments around the pipeline project with US President Joseph Biden in Washington. Vladimir Putin made his own comments on this subject.
In addition, the President of Russia and the Chancellor of Germany discussed the opportunity to extend the agreement between Gazprom and Naftogaz Ukraine on transporting gas via Ukrainian territory after 2024 as well.
The Ukrainian issue was touched upon.
“Exchanging views on the domestic Ukrainian crisis, in part, in the context of Ms Merkel’s meeting with President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky in Berlin on July 12, the President of Russia focused on the markedly discriminatory law On the Indigenous Peoples of Ukraine that was adopted by the Verkhovna Rada. It was also emphasized that Kyiv must strictly fulfill 2015 Minsk Package of Measures,” the Kremlin said.
To conclude, Vladimir Putin again conveyed to Angela Merkel his condolences over the unprecedented floods in the west of Germany, which have led to numerous human losses and large-scale destruction. In turn, the Federal Chancellor expressed the hope that the wildfires in Yakutia will be extinguished shortly.
Vladimir Putin and Angela Merkel agreed to continue their personal contacts.