In mid-2007, Gazprom initiated discussions with BP about a possible alliance. Gazprom's goal of becoming a global oil and gas company was being stymied by opposition from Western governments. Gazprom was interested in stakes in BP assets outside Russia. In return, Gazprom would contribute large stakes in its Russian oil business. A key element of the alliance would involve Gazprom buying AAR's TNK-BP stake, which would then allow BP and Gazprom to combine their various Russian oil assets and create the largest Russian oil producer. Gazprom officials told BP privately that they believed AAR would sell. AAR sald publicly that they had no intention of selling.