Vladimir Putin on Monday lamented the deterioration of diplomatic relations between Moscow and the West following Russia’s attack on Ukraine and the imposition of sanctions against Moscow as he welcomed several new European ambassadors to the Kremlin, AFP reported.

At the ceremony of presentation of credentials to the newly appointed foreign ambassadors, he congratulated, in particular, the new representatives of Germany, Sweden, Great Britain, Greece and Slovenia.

Addressing the Swedish representative, Vladimir Putin complained about the “complete absence of political contacts” and the curtailment of “economic cooperation” and “cultural and humanitarian ties” between Russia and Sweden.

The Russian leader also expressed concern that Stockholm is abandoning its “200-year-old policy of non-participation in military blocs”, despite Sweden’s desire to join NATO after the conflict in Ukraine.

Addressing the German ambassador, he praised the “pragmatic cooperation” with Berlin, expressing regret that the explosion of the Nord Stream gas pipeline in 2022 “undermined” the supply of Russian gas to Germany.

“For decades, our country has stably and uninterruptedly supplied Germany with gas, oil and other environmentally friendly energy carriers at affordable prices. And this cooperation was literally undermined, especially by the act of sabotage on the Nord Stream gas pipelines,” he said.

Vladimir Putin at the reception of the new ambassador of Great Britain, despite the fact that London is one of the most active supporters of Kyiv against Moscow, limited himself to the statement that the state of dialogue between Russia and Great Britain is “known to everyone.”

“Let’s hope that the situation will develop for the better in the interests of the two countries and our peoples,” he commented.

Addressing the new ambassador of Slovenia, the Russian president noted that the bilateral dialogue between Moscow and Ljubljana was “interrupted”, and assured her that Russia is “ready” to resume it if the Slovenian side wants it.

Addressing Greece’s new ambassador, Vladimir Putin said he was “concerned” about the state of bilateral relations, but hoped that the “traditional ties” between Athens and Moscow would help to “relaunch” their partnership.