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MOSCOW, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Russia will maintain gas transit to Europe through Ukraine despite the route's high pricetag, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at an annual press conference Thursday.

"Despite the construction of new infrastructure facilities, such as Nord Stream, Nord Stream 2, and Turk Stream, we will maintain transit through Ukraine," he said.

Putin noted that Russia does not seek a contract for a certain period in order to later stop transit through Ukraine.