Putin, in a conversation with journalists in Iran, commented on ways to resolve the energy crisis in Europe.
“We have another ready-made route - this is Nord Stream 2,” he said.
The President noted that the pipeline "can be launched", but now there are "problems" with this route.
Putin said that about two months ago, during a conversation, he warned German Chancellor Olaf Scholz that Russia would withdraw half of the volume intended for Nord Stream 2 for domestic consumption and processing.
According to the Russian leader, Gazprom has already done this.
“Therefore, even if we launch Nord Stream 2 tomorrow, it will not be 55 billion cubic meters per year, but exactly half,” he explained.
Putin also said that Gazprom intends to fulfill its obligations to supply gas to European countries.