Putin and Schroeder meeting
Russian President Vladimir Putin held a private meeting in Moscow with former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. The discussions focused on energy security and the evolving situation in Europe’s energy markets.
“Schroeder, like many thoughtful European observers, expresses deep concern about the ongoing energy crisis in Europe and the real state of the energy sector,” Peskov noted. He added that Schroeder sought clarity on Russia’s approach to the current energy challenges and asked for a clear explanation of the Russian perspective. Putin reportedly outlined the missing documents needed to move the repaired Nord Stream turbine back to Gazprom and clarified the status of related paperwork.
Peskov explained that Gazprom, as the turbine’s owner and supplier, must have documentation confirming the product is not subject to sanctions, and that all necessary technical records are in order. At present, such documents were not yet available, according to the Kremlin spokesperson.
During the talks, Schroeder inquired about the potential use of Nord Stream 2 in a crisis context. Putin reportedly indicated that the project remains technically feasible. If commissioned, the pipeline could deliver up to 27 billion cubic meters of gas to Europe annually. Putin added that even with a future restart, roughly half of that amount would be allocated to domestic consumption.
Meanwhile, Peskov criticized the British subsidiary of Siemens for delaying repairs on the second turbine of Nord Stream 1. He asserted that repair crews had not moved quickly and that sanctions on several partners contributed to the delay, complicating maintenance efforts. The Kremlin spokesman also noted the impact of Western restrictions on Turkey as part of a broader tension affecting energy infrastructure.
Putin detailed to Schroeder that European sanctions and transit disruptions through Ukraine have led to reductions in Russian gas deliveries to Europe. He stressed that Russia has fulfilled its financial obligations for gas transit payments to Kyiv. The discussion also touched on whether Canada might have an interest in supporting turbine repairs for Nord Stream 1 and whether Canadian suppliers could contribute to Europe’s energy needs in the near term.
Pelosi in Taiwan
Dmitry Peskov characterized Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan as a provocative move. He noted that the visit heightened regional tensions and described the trip as an explicit provocation rather than a constructive step toward advancing democracy or stabilizing relations in the region.
The Kremlin representative argued that foreign policy objectives are unlikely to be achieved through such actions. Beijing subsequently stated that Moscow supports China’s one‑China policy and reiterated its own sovereignty. Peskov affirmed Russia’s stance as aligned with China and cautioned against actions that could undermine regional stability.
Increase in coronavirus cases
Official reports indicate that Russia recorded more than 14,600 new coronavirus cases in a single day, with 43 fatalities. Health authorities and government officials continue to monitor the trend closely and consider possible adjustments to public health measures based on the trajectory of the outbreak.
Peskov indicated that, amid a rising rate of infections, additional measures to combat COVID-19 could be reintroduced if necessary. He emphasized that the president receives daily updates from government ministries and health agencies, including the department led by Anna Popova, and that any decision would be guided by current data and epidemiological risk.
As a precaution, Russia has not lifted heightened epidemiological restrictions. Peskov explained that reinfection rates warrant ongoing vigilance, and authorities will keep measures in place to mitigate transmission while assessing the evolving situation.