TurkStream, key route for Russian gas supply to Europe, operating smoothly - Putin

SOCHI. Aug 5 (Interfax) - TurkStream, which has become a key route for Russian gas supplies to Europe, is operating smoothly, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"TurkStream is a key route for Russian gas supplies to Europe nowadays. In contrast to every other route supplying our hydrocarbons, TurkStream has been operating smoothly, rhythmically and without interruption," Putin said in his opening remarks at the Sochi talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday.

The pipeline "has been supplying consumers both in Turkey and in Europe," Putin said.

"So, I believe European partners should be grateful to Turkey for providing continuous transit of our gas to the European market," he said.