Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened a harsh response should Ukraine launch offensive operations against Russia again during the Eurasian Economic Forum on Wednesday. In a speech at the conference of the Eurasian Economic Union led by Russia in Moscow, Putin also raised the issue of energy shortages in Europe. Speaking before leaders from Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, he said, "Now, energy prices are approaching economically justifiable levels, but who is to blame for what happened?"
Putin did not provide details regarding the prices. He pointed out that the West had bet on the collapse of the Russian economy, which "has not occurred." He continued, "There are profound changes on a global scale, and there is pressure on our allies through the weapon of sanctions to prevent them from cooperating with Russia." He clarified that Russia's GDP is growing by 0.7 percent, while it has recorded 0 percent in Western countries, stating, "This means a lot."
He added, "Energy prices have approached acceptable economic levels," affirming, "Moscow is committed to energy supplies. And Ukraine is still receiving money from revenues from the transport of Russian oil, despite labeling Russia as an aggressive state." President Putin noted that Russia "cooperates with the Shanghai Organization, BRICS, and others in Asia, Latin America, and Africa. We aim to achieve technological independence."
