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Russia not to blame for Europeans stocking up on firewood like in Middle Ages — Putin

The Russian leader added that the expense growth undermines European enterprises, with production rate for some products decreasing in double digits

MOSCOW, October 12. /TASS/. Authorities of European nations are blaming Russia for their own mistakes, but Russia is not to blame for Europeans having to stock up on firewood as if it’s the Middle Ages, Russian President Vladimir Putin said, speaking during the Russian Energy Week forum.

"Ordinary Europeans are suffering. In one year, their electricity and gas bills have increased by over three times. The have people started stocking up on firewood, like in the Middle Ages. What does Russia have to do with that? They constantly seek to blame someone else for their own mistakes - Russia, in this case. It’s their own fault, I would like to emphasize that once more," Putin said.

"This is not a result of some actions made within the special military operation in Ukraine, in Donbass. Not at all. This is a result of faulty energy policy that was carried out for many years," the head of state underscored.

Putin added that the expense growth undermines European enterprises, with production rate for some products decreasing in double digits.

"Stripped of affordable Russian energy, the European business is forced to either shut down or look for better opportunities in foreign jurisdictions. This process is happening indeed," Putin concluded.

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