You're reading: Russia’s Medvedev laments relations with Europe

DAVOS, Switzerland — Russia's Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev is criticizing European energy regulations and visa policies and insisting that his country isn't a corrupt place to do business.

Medvedev is trying to defend Russia’s
reputation in the face of a new report released at the World Economic
Forum in Davos warning of risks ahead for his country’s economy.

Speaking in Davos on Wednesday, he said it is “very sad” that Europe and Russia are fighting over energy regulations. The European Union is pressuring Russia to apply EU rules to the European operations of gas giant Gazprom. Russia is struggling to maintain its dominance of Europe’s gas market.

He also criticized European leaders for “not hearing” Russia’s arguments for visa-free travel in Europe — obtaining visas is a big hurdle for Russians doing business.