Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the Ukrainian authorities must recognize the boundaries of what is permissible, particularly when it comes to infringing on the interests of others. He suggested that cutting off energy supplies could serve as one form of pressure.

Putin remarked that while Kyiv seeks to damage Russia, it also harms Moscow’s partners. He pointed to the option of halting reverse gas flows and electricity deliveries, saying such steps would force Ukraine to realize the limits of its actions.

The comments were made during a meeting with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in China, where both leaders attended ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in World War II.

Tensions in the energy sector have escalated since a series of Ukrainian strikes in August on the Druzhba oil pipeline. The attacks occurred on the 12th, 18th and 22nd, targeting infrastructure in the village of Vysokoye in Bryansk region’s Unechsky district, where the Unecha station is located. From there, Druzhba carries fuel through Belarus into Europe, supplying Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Hungary via Ukrainian territory.

Several times, deliveries were suspended due to pipeline damage. After the strike on August 22, the interruption lasted more than five days.