​Putin assures Italy gas supply will remain stable

Supplies of Russian gas will continue to arrive in Italy regularly, Russian President Vladimir Putin assured Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi in a phone call on Monday.

This information was confirmed by the Tass Russian News Agency, which quoted the Kremlin.

The two heads of state also discussed the situation in Ukraine. Starting the de-escalation process is vital to avoid serious consequences that might deepen the crisis, Draghi told Putin.

Both sides agreed on the necessity of finding a sustainable and lasting solution to the crisis and rebuilding confidence.

On the same day, however, Moscow had declared that it would not back down in the face of US sanctions threats, the Russian embassy in Washington announced on Facebook, claiming the US government is responsible for the escalation of tensions.

The announcement came before the expected call between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Italy is currently looking into finding a structural solution to the increase in gas prices.

(Eleonora Vasques | EURACTIV.com)