Russia had never discussed the South Stream gas pipeline with the European Union. The negotiations were held with EU member countries involved in that project, Russian Permanent Representative to the European Union Vladimir Chizhov told Interfax on Tuesday.

"The project has been shut down, so, obviously there is no point in negotiating any further," Chizhov answered a question about prospects of building the South Stream gas pipeline to the EU.

"Speaking of negotiations, we did not have negotiations regarding the South Stream with the European Commission. We did negotiate with the EU countries involved in that project. Those were either project partners, such as Italy and France, or transit countries and consumers through whose territories the gas pipeline was due to be laid," the senior Russian diplomat said.

"European entities have not asked us for an explanation [of the project shutdown]. Judging by comments made in the European Union, they are not going to do so, in my opinion. Has the project been killed or just suspended? The CEO of Gazprom has given a rather definite answer to this question. I will not refute his words," Chizhov said.