Preparatory works of Russia's planned new gas pipeline to China via Mongolia is proceeding as scheduled according to President Vladimir Putin on Monday.

• "In January 2022, its feasibility study was approved, the necessary engineering surveys and studies were carried out, and at the end of December 2023, the design documentation was completed," Putin said to Mongolian news outlets.
• It comes as part of plans by Russia to find new outlets for its gas after flows to Europe have been largely halted.