Merkel sees no Russian gas supply disruptions despite Ukraine woes

MOSCOW, Mar 13 (PRIME) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel expects no disruptions in Russian gas supplies to Germany despite the geopolitical uncertainty in Ukraine, RIA Novosti reported Thursday, citing the Passauer Neue Presse newspaper.

Germany receives 35% of gas from Russia, which cannot be regarded as Berlin’s energy dependence from Moscow, Merkel said.

Russia is unlikely to cut gas supplies to Europe because of the conflict in Ukraine, Merkel said. Moscow concluded long-term contracts and is interested in performing them, she added.

German Foreign Affairs Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said earlier that the E.U. may discuss sanctions against Russia on March 17 if Moscow does not revise its position on Ukraine.

The Ukrainian parliament ousted President Viktor Yanukovich in February and appointed its speaker Alexander Turchinov as the acting head of the country.

Yanukovich said in February that he is still a legitimate president and called the new government illegal.

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