Official website of the President of Russia

News   /

At the request of the Federal Chancellor of Austria, the President of Russia gave an assessment of the situation in the context of the ongoing special military operation to protect Donbass. The Russian leader also spoke about the efforts to ensure safe navigation in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea. In this regard, Vladimir Putin pointed out that the Ukrainian side should demine the ports as soon as possible to allow the free passage of the blocked vessels. In addition, he noted that Kiev was sabotaging the talks between Russia and Ukraine.

The two leaders exchanged views on issues related to global food security. Vladimir Putin emphasised that attempts to blame Russia for the disrupted supply of agricultural produce to world markets were groundless. He explained in detail the real reasons behind these problems, which emerged, in part, due to the anti-Russia sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union.

Vladimir Putin reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to its contractual obligations with regard to natural gas supplies to Austria.