President of Russia Vladimir Putin dismissed suggestions that Russia is using energy as a weapon as "complete nonsense", as he announced he was ready to provide more gas to Europe if necessary, Sky News reports.
During his address at the Russian Energy Week International Forum in Moscow, the Russian leader said that the country was ready to increase its supplies to Europe at a time when other producers were reducing theirs.
He also pointed to the Soviet Union's continued supply of gas to Europe during the Cold War, when relations were at an all-time low.
He said Russia was ready to increase gas supplies further in line with requests and would also increase gas transit via Ukraine this year.
"If they [Europe] ask us to increase further, we are ready to increase further," said Mr Putin. "We will increase by as much as our partners ask us. There is no refusal, none."