Russian President Vladimir Putin (Photo: AP)

The damaged branch of the Nord Stream pipelines can be repaired but only if repair crews can continue to work and be protected, Putin said at the 5th Russian Energy Week International Forum in Moscow on Wednesday.

Putin called the damage to Nord Stream 1 and 2 an act of international terrorism, which aimed at undermining the energy security of the entire continent and severing ties between Russia and the EU.

Meanwhile, Czech Minister of Industry and Trade Jozef Sikela said EU Energy Ministers have reached an agreement to jointly purchase natural gas before the summer of 2023, increase cooperation and energy saving, and mitigate the impact of gas prices.