It is easier for Russia to oversee the Black Sea basin, said Russian President Vladimir Putin, commenting on the reasons for creating a Russian natural gas supply junction in Turkey, RIA Novosti reports.

"As for choosing Turkey as a possible supply junction—in this case, to Europe—, it seems to me that it is understandable why we are doing it, why we proposed it. Because it is very difficult to work directly with European partners," said Putin, answering reporters' questions.

He explained that it is easier for Russia to work with the Turkish side because Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is "a man of his word."

"And if we agree on something, it may be difficult to agree. But if we have agreed, we strive to fulfill it," he added.

According to him, this gas junction is a realistic project that will be implemented quite quickly.

"There is no doubt about it... I am convinced that the contracts will be signed. There is no doubt. And ultimately, we can use European countries as transit countries for shipments to other regions of the world. But I have no doubt that there will be many people in Europe as well who would like it," Putin emphasized.

He added that Russia will see "what will happen this winter" and next winter.

Erdogan believes that Europe can receive Russian natural gas through the territory of Turkey.

Putin also said that there is no doubt that the contracts for the purchase of natural gas through the Turkish junction will be signed, and there will not be a few interested parties in Europe as well.